WSWHE BOCES will celebrate the start of construction on its Tiny House Project at noon on Thursday, March 14, at the F. Donald Myers Education Center, 15 Henning Road, Saratoga Springs.
The event kicks off the beginning of construction of the WSWHE BOCES’ tiny house that it is building in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties, the Saratoga-Warren-Washington Workforce Development System, the Saratoga Builders Association and Curtis Lumber.
“The Tiny House Project is giving students opportunities to practice and refine their skills on a real life model,” Nancy DeStefano, assistant superintendent for instructional programs, said. “The multi program project allows students in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), welding and construction trades program, all, to gain valuable experience.”
The fully functional tiny house will be presented to the community during the Washington County Fair in August and next fall at the 2019 Showcase of Homes. The tiny house will feature the latest in building techniques and products, beautiful interiors, as well as high quality furnishings – all built by local students and volunteers. The partnership and project highlights the need for workers in the skilled trades in the area.
Adult students are also taking advantage of the project to re-train and gain new skills.
By day, CTE students in the high school program at the Saratoga Springs center work on the project. By night, the tiny house is part of a new, 100-hour residential construction course for adults that provides an introduction to the various stages of home building.
Tuition assistance may be available. Classes run through June 2019.
“The Tiny House Project exemplifies how collaboration can provide solutions to support our wonderful community,” said Adam Feldman, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties. Bringing leaders from the public education system, private industry and non profits together is a great tool to tackle workforce development, bring focus to the need for affordable housing and to provide skills for the next generation to enter our dynamic and growing economy.”