Print This Article			Print All Articles			Email the Editor

Housing Industry Welcomes Summer Project CRAFT Graduates in Tampa

Bill Paul, president of the Tampa Bay Builders Association and an HBI trustee, encouraged the graduates to use their newly acquired trade skills “to build a life in the nation’s most rewarding and prosperous industry.”

The four students donned robes and mortar boards for the ceremony at Middleton High School, which was attended by family, friends and community members. Reverend Clete Sutton, a Tampa police officer, encouraged the students to use their talents “to inspire other young people to have the courage to do the right thing.”

Project CRAFT/Tampa opened its doors in July 2001 funded by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice to provide skill trades training and employment support for at-risk 16- to 19-year-olds. While in the program, the students are awarded a pre-apprenticeship certificate in carpentry and also receive academic instruction from a Hillsborough County school.

Students spend part of their training time giving back to the community by practicing their trade on projects such as replacing the railing and steps at the Police Athletic League or building picnic tables for local schools. The graduates will now take these skills and put them to work as members of the industry’s workforce.

For more information on Project CRAFT/Tampa, e-mail John Hattery at HBI, or call him at 800-795-7955 x8916.

go to top