D.R. Horton and Sync Space Announce $100,000 commitment and New Front Door to Construction Trades Technology Programs in Northeast Tennessee
KINGSPORT, TENNESSEE – D.R. Horton’s East Tennessee division announces regional partnerships with Sync Space and other organizations to create a workforce program for construction trade skills, professional development, small business support and to inspire students in trades and technology.
Northeast Tennessee has become one of the fastest growing residential markets for the nation’s top homebuilder. By the end of 2021, D.R. Horton had closed on more than 250 homes in the region and anticipates another 500 closings over the next 12 months. The economic impact of this investment has resulted in more than $300 million in East Tennessee in 2022, according to the company, with plans to increase their investment to an estimated $500 million in 2023, and that’s just the beginning of their vision for the region.
DR Horton Vice President of City Operations Barak Saltzman and Sync Space President Heath Guinn talk about how the building trades labor shortage came to be, and how their new program aims to alleviate the scarcity of workers and project managers.
About the Program
The CORE Construction Class is a FREE workforce program for construction trade skills, professional development, small business support, and inspiring students in trades and technology.
This course for entry-level students is to learn and touch on a variety of Construction Careers and learn basic construction knowledge and skills including Construction Safety, Construction Math, Introduction to Construction, Hand and Power Tools and their use, Materials Handling, Introduction to Construction Drawings and Employability Skills such as critical thinking skills, problem-solving and effective self-presentation. Students successfully completing the course will receive an OSHA 10-hour for Construction Card, NCCER certificate, HBI Certificate, Build Smart Institute Competency Badges, and a First Aid and CPR card.
The program will serve as an introduction and front door for people untrained in the building trades to either obtain employment upon completion of the certificated programs offered through Sync Space or advance to additional training offered by programs at Northeast State Community College, Tennessee Small Business Development Center, Tennessee College of Applied Technology and other industry partners. Programming is available for high school and college students, as well as those looking to transition and grow within their careers, and is offered at zero cost to the participant.
Details
Program Duration: Monday, January 9th – Friday, January 27th (including MLK Day)
Class Hours: Monday-Friday from 7:30am-4:30pm
Location: Northeast State Community College (in-person only)
Cost: FREE!
Frequently Asked Questions
We can accept 10 students in this semester’s class, so sign up quickly!
Classes begin on January 9th, but we will have an in-person 30-minute meeting the week before to discuss the class and allow time for questions.
No. We will be doing hands-on training with equipment, so it is important to be present in the classroom.
No. This is an entry-level course, but anyone is welcome to apply!
This class is 100% free to take!
Yes! We will take breaks throughout the day including lunch. Feel free to pack a lunch or purchase one close by.
Please bring a pen/ pencil, notebook or note-taking device, and laptop or tablet. You can optionally bring snacks. We also include the following documentation:
- Social Security Card – Build Smart Institute is required, by some funding sources, to collect this information.
- If you have never been issued a Social Security Card, please bring another kind of Government Issued ID.
- Government Issued Photo ID – NCCER, the National Center for Construction Education and Research, and OSHA requires we collect this data.
- Under 18 students – Birth certificate
*All documentation will be kept secure (Scanned or photo copies are acceptable). Please bring the documents to the first class beginning on Monday the 9th.
Yes! Please follow these guidelines:
- All PPE will be provided by Build Smart Institute. (PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment such as hard hats, eye protection, gloves, etc.)
- You will need to wear proper footwear – work boots preferred or toe protection if possible
- No loose or baggy clothing
- No shorts allowed
- No hanging or dangling jewelry
- Hair must be tied back during class and in the lab
“We’ve seen tremendous growth and embracement from the region,” says Barak Saltzman, Vice President of City Operations at D.R. Horton. “D.R. Horton is committed to being community partners in the cities where we invest, and we want to be part of the growing culture of innovation and job growth around construction trades and workforce development.”
The resulting program will emulate successful programs seen in other states, where the homebuilder will lead efforts in assisting the growing demand for a strong workforce, as well as providing opportunities for new and reentering workers to learn new trade skills. Additionally, professional development opportunities, including areas such as financial literacy, small business support and social and environmental responsibility practices, will be included for participants.
“We’re very excited to partner with the nation’s #1 homebuilder in D.R. Horton and our regional innovation and workforce partners to highlight the opportunities for small business and skilled craftsmen through this program,” states Heath Guinn, President of Sync Space. “Our region continues to grow at an exponential rate, and great partnerships such as this help us grow the skills needed in our workforce.”
The program will serve as an introduction and front door for people untrained in the building trades to either obtain employment upon completion of the certificated programs offered through Sync Space or advance to additional training offered by programs at Northeast State Community College, Tennessee Small Business Development Center, Tennessee College of Applied Technology and other industry partners. Programming is available for high school and college students, as well as those looking to transition and grow within their career.
The program is scheduled to launch in late summer this year and will be held at Northeast State Community College . A full itinerary of the program and additional partners to be announced in the coming months.
To learn more about the program, please visit https://syncspace.org/
Barak Saltzman
Vice President of City Operations at D.R. Horton
BSaltzman@drhorton.com, (865) 214-0007
Heath Guinn
President, Sync Space Entrepreneur Center
heath@syncspace.org, (423) 676-7228
News Coverage
Times News
FEATURED: D.R. Horton, Sync Space announce $100,000 commitment to construction trades technology
Johnson City Press
D.R. Horton, Sync Space announce commitment to construction trades technology programs in Northeast Tennessee
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D.R. Horton, Inc., America’s Builder, has been the largest homebuilder by volume in the United States since 2002. Since 1978, D.R. Horton has consistently delivered top-quality new homes to homebuyers across the nation. The Company’s livable floor plans, energy-efficient features, and robust new home warranty demonstrate its commitment to excellence in construction. D.R. Horton new homes are built with unmatched efficiencies, all based on a philosophy from founder, Donald R. Horton, of creating value every step of the way. To learn more, visit www.drhorton.com.
Sync Space Entrepreneur Centers is a 501(c)3 and the Launch Tennessee partner for Northeast Tennessee. Sync Space programs range from early idea validation and workshops to accelerator programs uniquely focused on support for local and recruited startups considering Northeast Tennessee as a place to grow or expand their business. Sync Space programming aligns startups with key partners and industries that offer mentorship, opportunities for investment, and pilot program opportunities. To learn more about the Sync Space Entrepreneur Center, visit www.syncspace.org/drhorton.
