The future of the construction industry starts with giving students the opportunity to build it.

Members of the Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa (HBA) recently visited Bixby Public Schools to see a new construction lab and meet students enrolled in the district’s newly offered construction class.

The visit gave members of the HBA’s Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT45) Council and Southwest Chapter an opportunity to connect directly with students who are beginning to explore careers in construction and the skilled trades.

Bringing Construction Education to the Classroom

During the visit, students shared what they are learning and gave HBA members a firsthand look at the new construction program. The hands-on class is designed to introduce students to practical construction skills while helping them better understand the many career opportunities available in the home building and construction industry.

For HBA members, seeing students actively engaged in construction education was an opportunity to connect the classroom with the real world.

And LOT45 went one step further.

The council presented Bixby Public Schools with two table saws to help equip the new construction lab and give students access to the tools they need for hands-on learning.

Investing in the Future of the Skilled Trades

Programs like Bixby’s construction class are an important part of addressing the need for the next generation of skilled construction professionals.

As the Tulsa region continues to grow, the home building industry needs skilled workers across a wide range of careers, including construction management, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, remodeling and other skilled trades.

Providing students with hands-on construction education can help them discover career paths they may not have previously considered while giving them practical experience they can carry into future education, apprenticeships and employment.

Building Relationships. Building Careers. Building the Future.

The HBA of Greater Tulsa believes workforce development begins long before someone enters the construction industry. It starts by introducing students to the people, skills and opportunities that make a career in construction possible.

The visit to Bixby Public Schools is a great example of what that investment looks like:

Students learning real-world skills.
Industry professionals sharing their experience.
Schools building stronger career pathways.
And HBA members helping put the tools directly into students’ hands.

We’re proud of our LOT45 Council and Southwest Chapter for showing up, building relationships with students and educators, and helping create opportunities for the next generation of construction professionals.

Because building the future of our industry starts in the classroom.