Building Future Trades: Mat-Su Home Builders Association & SBS Support Local Education

Big win for local education! The Mat-Su Home Builders Association (MSHBA) teamed up with Spenard Builders Supply and Mat-Su Central School to turn student craftsmanship into a successful fundraiser.

Using materials generously donated by Spenard Builders Supply, students built a greenhouse, doghouse, and picnic table, which were raffled off to support hands-on learning and future construction trades education. Thanks to strong community support, 100% of the proceeds were donated back to the school's construction program. This "Tools of the Trade" project highlights MSHBA’s commitment to preparing local students for rewarding careers in the construction industry.

Two winners were selected in the raffle drawing, with one lucky winner taking home both the greenhouse and the doghouse, and another winner receiving the student-built picnic table.

The Mat-Su Home Builders Association coordinated the effort, bringing together local industry and education partners to create meaningful opportunities for students. As a nonprofit trade organization representing builders, contractors, suppliers, and industry professionals across the region, MSHBA is committed to strengthening Alaska’s workforce by helping students explore careers in the trades and gain foundational skills that make them employable right out of high school.

“At Spenard Builders Supply, we’ve seen a steady decline in young people entering the building and construction trades, even though building and remodeling remain essential to our communities,” said Darren Williams of SBS. “Programs like Mat-Su Central’s construction program are refreshing to see because they spark early interest, provide hands-on learning, and help prepare the next generation of skilled professionals that Alaska will rely on for years to come.”

Mat-Su Central School construction instructor Joe Rucker highlighted the importance of giving students practical, real-world skills.

“I hope that students leave my class with an understanding of what it takes to be successful in the trades and an ability to be reliant on themselves,” said Rucker. “Perhaps they build their own deck or maybe even their own home. Or they will be able to look at a broken item around their home and problem solve the possible causes, test those causes as they locate the underlying issue, and then consider the potential fixes or changes to be made. I hope they learned the skills and techniques, the work ethic and drive needed, and find themselves self-sufficient and capable.”

This collaboration reflects the shared commitment of local educators and industry leaders to invest in Alaska’s future workforce. Through initiatives like this, the Mat-Su Home Builders Association continues to bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring students are aware of the many rewarding career opportunities available in the skilled trades.

For more information about the Tools of the Trade Initiative or future workforce development efforts, please visit www.matsuhomebuilders.com