Workforce Development

by Janelle Guthrie, Communications Director

Six years ago, Wes Morris, Superintendent & Project Manager for Tri-Ply Construction, struck up a conversation with Perry Technical Institute (PTI) President Christine Coté about workforce development in the Yakima Valley. Little did he know, thanks to support from many fellow builders throughout the Yakima Valley, that conversation would ultimately result in a new construction program at Perry Tech. It’s a program supported generously over the years by both the Central Washington Home Builders Association and the BIAW. In July, CWHBA staff joined BIAW onsite at the Perry Tech “Win a Home” raffle home to deliver $23,000 in scholarships and grants. Nine students received $2,000 each. Perry Tech received $5,000 from BIAW to purchase three new pieces of equipment for its Construction program. The grant helps Perry Tech keep costs lower so the program remains accessible for its students. BIAW has provided a total of $35,500 in scholarships to students and grants directly to the program since 2018.

The Perry Tech Construction program gives students four quarters of hands-on curriculum, allowing them to gain a broad range of construction skills and knowledge so they are ready to hire within a year. Along with building processes, students learn how to use various tools, select materials, read blueprints, frame and install siding and work with other interior/exterior finishes. The courses combine classroom work with an externship off campus or completion of a capstone project on campus, allowing them to integrate on-site skills into their education.

To participate in the Perry Tech Construction program, incoming students pay a little over $20,000 in tuition, fees and course materials. Roughly 65% of them receive some form of financial aid. Foundation Director Tressa Shockley says receiving scholarship support can sometimes make all the difference in a student’s ability to complete their education. "Graduates of our programs have an opportunity to begin a career in an industry they are passionate about with a level of proficiency that will provide them long-term financial independence and stability," she said.

The scholarship presentation was a surprise for the scholarship recipients. Shockley asked students to meet at the raffle home without explaining why. They wouldn’t find out until BIAW Certification and Education Manager Hillary Vanatta handed them a white envelope with their $2,000 checks. “The recipients of BIAW’s awards shared so much gratitude for the support,” Shockley said.

“You could literally see the relief on their faces, knowing how much the awards will help them.” “These funds help them complete their education here,” she said. “A lot of them have families and other living expenses as well as having to work outside of school. These scholarships help the students stay in school and complete their respective programs.” Several of the students were already working for or planning to join work crews of CWHBA members. Two students will be working with CWHBA president Tim Lovelass. Others have a job lined up with Jared Jones, Certified Builder, at Copper Hills Construction. Morris also has a long-time employee who graduated from the Perry Tech program. With a graduation rate of roughly 75% and a placement rate of 84%, an investment in the Perry Tech Construction program provides an excellent return.

Over the years, Perry Tech has partnered with CWHBA members to build and raffle off storage sheds and homes to raise money for scholarships. In 2017, students created both a “He Shed” and a “She Shed” to be raffled off during the CWHBA’s Home and Garden Show with support from CWHBA members. Helliesen Lumber & Supply, Inc. provided most of the lumber for the projects, Great Floors donated the She Shed flooring and Bruner Painting donated services to have both sheds painted and stained at their facility. Students built the themed sheds in panels in their classroom at Perry Tech then assembled them once inside the Yakima Valley SunDome.

In 2018, Perry Tech students teamed with CWHBA member Yakima Valley Partners Habitat for Humanity to build a home for a local family with four children under the age of 13. The project gave students hands-on experience and an opportunity to give back to the community. That home was featured in CWHBA’s annual Tour of Homes event. Students have continued to support Habitat for Humanity each year. In 2020, Perry Tech was recognized by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) with the Excellence in Community Service award. Starting in 2019, students in the Construction, Electrical, Plumbing and HVAC/R programs got a new opportunity to gain hands-on training by building a home as the prize of a raffle fundraiser—one of the largest in Washington.

"Building a home is one of the best cumulative projects for students to learn the various skills for success in this industry,” said Darin Peters, Department Head of Construction at Perry Tech. Profits from ticket sales will directly benefit students by providing valuable scholarships for all Perry students. This project has had great support from CWHBA as well as from local businesses assisting with the build and ticket sales. The drawing for the home will take place January 8, 2022. To learn more about the Perry Tech Construction Program, visit: