Workforce Development
Workforce Development
Workforce Development Committee Overview
The Workforce Development Committee is committed to expanding job placement opportunities and supporting Idaho students as they launch careers in the skilled trades. Working in close partnership with industry leaders and educational institutions, the committee connects students with meaningful, career‑ready pathways that lead directly into the workforce. By emphasizing practical training, hands‑on experience, and alignment with employer needs, the committee helps strengthen Idaho’s economy while empowering the next generation of skilled workers.
Primary Event: Parade of Homes – Pet Edition
The committee’s signature annual initiative is the Parade of Homes®: Pet Edition, a creative community event that showcases custom pet homes designed and built by students in the West Ada Career & Technical Education (CTE) Residential Construction program. These themed pet homes are displayed publicly and then raffled or auctioned to raise funds.
Proceeds from the event support the BCASWI Community Scholarship and Trade Education Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to local students pursuing education and careers in construction‑related trades. This fundraiser not only highlights student craftsmanship but also directly invests in their future success.
Local Trade Education Scholarship Opportunity — Presented by the Workforce Development Council of SW Idaho & Building Contractors Association of SW Idaho
We are excited to introduce our inaugural Trade Education Scholarships. The Building Contractors Association of Southwestern Idaho’s Workforce Development Council has established a scholarship program to support those looking to enter the building industry. Each year, the Workforce Development Council will award scholarships to students pursuing a career in a construction‑related field. Preference for scholarships will be given at the discretion of a panel to students pursuing construction‑related education and students affiliated with the West Ada Career and Technical Education Program. The scholarship may be used to fund trade education. Monies will be paid directly to the school or training program of choice of the winners to help defray the cost of tuition. Recipients may be awarded up to $3,000 per academic year. Applicants must be at least Grade 12 or equivalent to apply.
The Workforce Development Council is proud to support construction and construction trade education and certification as a positive career path and option for graduating students. This is an underserved career opportunity, and we want to help promote this option for traditional and non‑traditional students alike.
Applications must be received or postmarked by April 3, 2026, and all scholarships will be awarded by the end of April and recognized at the BCASWI Parade of Homes® Pet House Edition. Those not receiving a scholarship will be notified by email.
Committee Chair: Jenna Englund, Jenna.Englund@berkeleybuildingco.com