How is Pasadena City College helping with wildfire recovery?

Pasadena City College is opening a construction trades lab to train students in building new homes for communities affected by the January 2025 wildfires.

What is the goal of PCC's new construction trades lab?

The lab aims to train skilled workers to build at least 100 homes annually and address a shortage in the construction workforce.

Home / Education / PCC Builds Future: Fire Recovery Homes & Skilled Labor

PCC Builds Future: Fire Recovery Homes & Skilled Labor

Q: What technology will be used at the Pasadena City College trades lab?

Students will use the latest environmental sustainability and fire resistance technology in their hands-on construction training.

20 Jan

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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.

PCC Builds Future: Fire Recovery Homes & Skilled Labor

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.