HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The North Alabama Homebuilding Academy (NAHA) is partnering with the Huntsville City Schools district to provide portable construction clinics for middle and elementary-school-aged children.
The non-profit purchased a trailer that will be converted into a classroom full of tools and other supplies. They will start making trips to schools in October.
FOX54's Aiyana Willoughby spoke with NAHA Executive Director Barry Oxley, who says a four-year university is not ideal for many students. He wants to teach students a trade skill that will help them be successful in the future.
"We're actually going to go to middle schools and elementary schools across North Alabama, especially here in Madison County, and actually do homebuilding education on campuses," said Oxley.
NAHA is a non-profit organization that provides hands-on, short-term programs to individuals seeking to enter the residential construction industry. Since NAHA launched in January of 2020, the program has graduated over 160 students, of which, over 90% are currently employed in the industry.
In a matter of weeks, participants can attend the program at no cost, learn the basic skills needed to enter the residential construction industry and participate in a hiring fair.
Students must be at least 18-years-old, pass a drug screening and be legally authorized to work in the United States.
You can find more information on NAHA's website.