ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains (BABRM) will debut the first annual “Pawrade of Homes,” a workforce development initiative featuring doghouses built by students from 10 high schools in Buncombe and Henderson counties, during this year’s WNC Build and Remodel Expo.

The Expo takes place March 21–22 at the WNC Agricultural Center’s Davis Event Center, where homeowners and homebuyers can meet local builders, remodelers, designers and suppliers and find inspiration for projects large and small.

To kick off the “Pawrade of Homes,” each participating school received an identical set of materials from 84 Lumber earlier this winter, including framing lumber, sheathing, trim and shingles. Since then, students have worked alongside their woodshop instructors to develop designs for their doghouses. Schools are not permitted to purchase additional supplies, but they may incorporate donated or up-cycled materials as long as they remain within a defined retail value limit — a challenge that encourages problem-solving, resourcefulness and creativity.

The completed doghouses will be showcased throughout the Expo, giving industry professionals and attendees an opportunity to view and evaluate the students’ work. Organizers are planning a raffle, with proceeds and prizes expected to support participating school programs. Students are invited to attend.

For BABRM leaders, the project is about more than showcasing student craftsmanship.

“The Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains aims to strengthen the skilled labor pipeline by engaging local high schools,” says Jeff Ehrhardt, an association member and home builder representative with Sherwin-Williams. “We believe this program will help to inspire students to pursue careers in the construction trades while also increasing community awareness of our organization.”

Local educators say initiatives like the “Pawrade of Homes” help students better understand the opportunities available to them.

“We have to make students, parents and the community more aware of the careers that exist in the trades,” says Jennifer Taylor, career development coordinator for Henderson County Public Schools. “Our best and brightest students can go into these fields and make a really great life for themselves.”

The participating schools include Asheville High School, North Henderson High School, West Henderson High School, East Henderson High School, A.C. Reynolds High School, Charles D. Owen High School, Clyde A. Erwin High School, Enka High School, North Buncombe High School and T.C. Roberson High School.

Event Details

The WNC Build and Remodel Expo takes place 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, March 21 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, March 22 at the WNC Agricultural Center Davis Event Center in Fletcher, N.C.. General admission is $10. $5 for seniors 65+, military, first responders and educators. Free for kids 12 and under. Ticket purchases cover entry for both days. Parking is free.

Additional information is available at www.wncbuildandremodel.com.