Similar to National Signing Day for student athletes, North Technical High School, in St. Louis, had its own signing day for carpentry "tech-letes" involved in trade apprenticeships. According to the National Association of Home Builders, two North Tech students were hired by CCS Building Group in spring 2022 for the company's residential group, and at least six recent graduates are apprenticed to local home builders.
Byron Lane, a carpentry instructor at North Technical High School, described the excitement of the annual Signing Day when area home builders come to the school with hats, shirts and letters of intent to hire talented young people. He credits HBA of St. Louis & Eastern Missouri, through its member firms and NAHB Student Chapter, with constantly promoting home-building careers to students through field trips to job sites, guest speakers, and hands-on skills demonstrations done at the school.
"Workforce development is a top priority for our board of directors, our workforce development committee, and staff," said Celeste Rueter, EVP, HBA of St. Louis & Eastern Missouri. "Together, we host dynamic programs for student interaction throughout the year, including Build My Future STL, Competition in a Box, Muddy Boots Tours, and more."
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