BUILDING FUTURES: CATTCP AND LAKE TAHOE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT JOIN FORCES TO ADDRESS WORKFORCE SHORTAGES

In response to the critical shortage of skilled workers in construction trades which is facing the greater Tahoe region, CATTCP has forged a groundbreaking partnership with the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD). The initiative aims to bolster the South Tahoe High School Construction Program, empowering local youth and addressing the pressing need for a skilled workforce.

The aftermath of the historic winter of 2022/23 brought to light the dire consequences of the workforce shortage, exacerbated by widespread water damage to homes and acute housing shortages. Similar to the greater Tahoe region, South Lake Tahoe grapples with a significant deficit of affordable housing – approximately 3,200 housing units are needed to alleviate the current crisis and meet future demand by 2026.

Recognizing the situation’s urgency and the opportunity for students, South Tahoe High School has integrated tiny home construction into its curriculum, providing students with hands-on experience in various facets of the construction industry, from framing to electrical work to roofing. The school district is exploring the possibility of establishing a tiny home village on the high-school campus, offering a solution to the housing shortage its employees face.

The median annual income for construction workers in South Lake Tahoe is $50,000 – 20 % higher than the national median. This attractive wage, coupled with ample job opportunities, presents a promising job market for individuals considering a career in construction. The partnership between CATTCP and LTUSD aims to capitalize on this by connecting industry professionals with students, fostering mentorship opportunities, and providing pathways for entry-level employment.

At its core, the partnership between CATTCP and LTUSD is about more than just building structures, it’s about building futures. By offering a clear pathway to high-demand, high-wage jobs in construction, this collaboration is poised to make a tangible difference in the lives of local youth – one tiny home at a time. CATT members are invited to get involved in this project by becoming guest lecturers in the classroom, offering technical oversight and hands-on demonstrations in the wood shop; by allowing students to visit work sites and shadow professionals on the job; by providing internships and employment; and by providing scholarships, material, and cash donations for the project to continue and grow.

Grants from the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation, the City of South Lake Tahoe, and the State of California have buoyed the project’s success thus far.

Thanks to Kim Carr, Workforce Development and Housing Consultant with KCarr Consulting, for writing this article. For more information and to get involved in the project, contact Kim at kcarr@ltusd.org or at 530.416.1345.

Sani-Hut has long provided equipment and services for a wide and diverse range of construction projects, from single-home developments to multiple-storied building ventures.