The residential construction industry is currently experiencing a labor shortage of epic proportions — there are approximately 300,000 unfilled jobs in the skilled trades nationwide. This shortage is causing home prices to increase for potential homeowners. Data shows that for every additional $1,000 in the price of a home, 951 households are priced out of the local market.  

In 2016, the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City (KCHBA) created a strategic plan to promote careers in the skilled trades in Kansas City. Today, several of the initiatives implemented are building momentum and will be on display during Foundations for the Future Week April 2-10 at Union Station.

The Parade of Playhouses will feature eight children’s playhouses that will be displayed in Haverty Family Yards outside Science City. Six out of the eight playhouses to be auctioned off to the highest bidder are being built by high school students from:

• Basehor-Linwood High School, sponsored by PCDI
• Bonner Springs High School, sponsored by Cardinal Crest
• Independence School District, sponsored by Ashlar Homes
• Liberty High School, sponsored by Hearthside Homes
• Olathe Advanced Technical Center, sponsored by Hi Line Construction
• Olathe West High School, sponsored by Matt Adam Development

Building a children’s playhouse allows these high school students to hone their carpentry skills, which until now they have been primarily learning in a classroom setting. Playhouse themes include a pirate ship, an old west general store, and a multi-colored gingerbread house. Proceeds from the auction will benefit Science City to promote STEM learning.

Between April 5-9, KC Manufacturing and Design Expo (KC MADE) projects will be on display to people visiting Science City inside Union Station. The KC MADE competition is a contest among high school students (grades 9-12) in construction and manufacturing programs. Projects are not limited in scope. Participants have the freedom to enter everything from a tiny house to a dining room table. 

A panel of industry professionals will judge the projects and determine the award winners based on project quality, skill knowledge and professionalism. Students can win prizes and program grants will be awarded to the schools of the first, second and third place overall winners in the amounts of $1,000, $750 and $500. Anyone can vote for their favorite project to win the People’s Choice award. Students from three schools are participating in KC MADE this year:

• Bonner Springs High School
• Liberty High School
• Shawnee Mission West High School

KCHBA is hosting a student-industry luncheon at Union Station on Saturday, April 6. Students involved in all these projects will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals with the intent of fostering connections that could lead to employment opportunities once they graduate.

Through this partnership with Union Station to host Foundations for the Future Week, the KCHBA hopes to increase the number of students choosing careers in the residential construction industry. This will put less pressure on home prices, which will ultimately assist the KC families in achieving the American dream of owning a home. 

For more information about Foundations for the Future Week, visit kchomework.com.

About the Home Builders Association
The Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City (KCHBA) is the voice of the housing industry and the source for housing information. Comprising approximately 500 member companies, the HBA represents an industry that contributes more than $1.5 billion to the Kansas City economy and supports more than 20,000 jobs in the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area. Each year, the HBA proudly presents opportunities to experience the home building and home improvement industries, including the Greater Kansas City Home & Lifestyle Show, the Spring and Fall Parade of Homes and the Artisan Home Tour. Visit www.kchba.org for more information.

ABOUT Union Station Kansas City — a 501(c)3 non-profit organization — is a 107-year-old historical landmark and celebrated civic asset renovated and reopened to the public in 1999. Recently awarded “Favorite Attraction”, “Favorite Family-Friendly Attraction” and “Favorite Historic Attraction”, the organization — dedicated to science education, celebration of community and preservation of history — is home to Kansas City’s internationally-awarded Science City; the new Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium; the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre; the popular Model Railroad Gallery; City Stage featuring live theater, and a selection of unique shops and restaurants. Union Station is also home to prominent area civic organizations and businesses, and regularly hosts world-class traveling exhibitions. Awarded “Top Banquet Facilities in KC” by KC Business Journal, the facility annually hosts hundreds of community events and private celebrations of all sizes. Visit WWW.UNIONSTATION.ORG for details. Also, follow us on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and YOUTUBE.