At Northland Pioneer College (NPC), ‘learning by doing’ is showcased in structures now taking shape in locations throughout Navajo and Apache counties. This past fall marked the official launch of an innovative approach to hands-on learning in NPC’s construction program. As part of the Northern Arizona Good Jobs Network led by Local First Arizona and funded with a grant from the Office of the Arizona Governor, NPC solidified the purchase of homesite plots in Holbrook and St. Johns and relaunched the construction of tiny homes at NPC’s Whiteriver location.
Now, students enrolled in NPC’s construction program are literally building homes from the ground up. Starting with nothing but a plot of land, students are learning how to construct everything from a home’s foundation and baseboards to the roofing, plumbing, and electrical systems, hands-on for two on-site family-sized homes and tiny homes. The first home is located on California Street in Holbrook, AZ, where students have already completed the framework, interior and exterior walls, and are currently working on the roof of the structure. In St. Johns, the official groundbreaking for the very first student-built home in the area took place on October 23 at a plot on Buckboard Lane. Students have already started laying the foundation for that structure. In Whiteriver, students are currently erecting tiny homes that will one day provide affordable, well-made housing for individuals and small families living in the area.
NPC’s Dean of Career and Technical Education, Dr. Jeremy Raisor, said, “This is an effort to not only teach valuable skills, but to invest in the economic growth and well-being of our area. Our communities are struggling to provide affordable housing for the families who live and work here.” He explained, “The thing that is fantastic about this program is that it is a sustainable model. At the end of this project, the plan is to sell the student-built homes at market value and then reinvest the funds to build the next ones. We want to continue growing these programs in our communities. We aim to construct as many homes as possible and to assist as many students as possible in acquiring the skills necessary to secure local employment. We want students to leave this program with what they need to find livable wage jobs.”
St. John’s construction student Sephora Escobedo said, “I’m really excited about working outside, getting the fresh air and sunshine, and working as a team with my classmates to build an entire home. I think it will be challenging but also fun, especially learning how to do the interior work.” Her brother and sister are also enrolled in the construction program in St. Johns. Their mother, who is an NPC alumna, said, “I think it’s great for them. These are super useful skills that won’t be replaced by AI any time soon. I’m very grateful that my children have this opportunity through NPC.”
According to Raisor, this project wouldn’t be possible without the partnership of Local First Arizona, along with Holbrook, St. Johns, and Alchesay High Schools, the communities of Holbrook, St. Johns, and Whiteriver, and the White Mountain Apache Tribe. “It really is about building futures together,” he said. It’s true when they say, “It takes a village, and NPC is blessed to be working with this ‘village’ of supporters.”
The Northern Arizona Good Jobs Network (www.localfirstaz.com/good-jobs) worked with community partners in Apache, Coconino, Mohave, Navajo and Yavapai counties to identify specific workforce development needs and launched programs like NPC’s hands-on construction learning program to meet those needs.
Local First Arizona’s Rural Workforce Development Manager, Andrew Witzel, said, “Collaborating with community partners across Arizona to identify and implement impactful solutions is the bedrock of our work. NPC’s programs are great examples of what can be done when we work together.” He continued, “They are providing vital training and resources. Building opportunities for growth within the local economy, concentrating on industries that are desperate for skilled workers. All while retaining talent and wealth in these rural communities to keep them growing.” Rural employers can earn cash incentives from the Northern Arizona Good Jobs Network by interviewing or hiring these trainees, upskilling existing workers, or learning how to be a competitive Good Jobs employer. Contact workforce@localfirstaz.com to find out more.
NPC is currently enrolling both high school (NAVIT) and adult students for the construction programs at the Holbrook, St. Johns and Whiteriver locations. The spring semester begins January 12. If you are interested in learning more about the program or would like to register, contact an academic advisor at the NPC location nearest you or visit www.npc.edu/construction.
