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PCC Builds Future: Fire Recovery Homes & Skilled Labor
20 Jan
Summary
- Pasadena City College launches a construction trades lab.
- The lab aims to train students to build 100 homes annually.
- It will incorporate environmental sustainability and fire resistance technology.
Pasadena City College is set to open a new construction trades lab this spring, addressing the urgent need for housing following the January 2025 wildfires. The college's initiative, in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity, will provide hands-on training for students to build new homes for fire-displaced residents. This program aims to replenish the aging construction workforce, which faces a significant shortage of skilled laborers due to retirements.
The $6.5 million facility is designed as an outdoor learning space where students will gain practical experience using the latest environmental sustainability and fire-resistance technologies. The goal is to not only construct new homes but also to equip students with the necessary skills for a growing and essential industry. This prepares them for future employment and community rebuilding efforts.
College President Jose Gomez emphasized the dual purpose of training students and aiding disadvantaged families who lost their homes. The San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity CEO Bryan Wong highlighted the ambitious target of building 100 homes annually, underscoring the demand for skilled labor. The program seeks to create a pipeline of qualified workers to meet this demand.
