Training with Context: Sustainable Workforce Development

Profound change is needed in the way we build to address climate change and the persistent shortage of durable, affordable housing. The compounding reality of a shrinking trades workforce means that we need to recruit and train many more people into the fields of building performance and construction.

These realities affect every sector of every community, but the harshest impacts are felt by those who live with the greatest disparities in opportunity and security. The need to build differently and to grow our trades workforce presents opportunity to address not just disparities in the physical environment, but also disparities in the social and economic environments.

To prepare the next generation to build for the next generation, training must embrace context. Building science, environmental justice, and sustainable building practices should be embedded, fundamental parts of workforce training curriculum. Trainers and trainees need to be paid fairly and supported. Program design and delivery should strive for equitable participation at all levels.

In this session, three seasoned practitioner-trainers share their experiences training with context.