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Featured photo: Apprenticeship Blue Ridge instructor and apprentices work on projects along with Transylvania Habitat for Humanity. Photo by Rich Keen.
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A long standing partnership between Apprenticeship Blue Ridge and Transylvania Habitat for Humanity built not only community ties but two homes in Transylvania County. Apprenticeship Blue Ridge construction instructor Jason Baxley said the work is tied directly to affordable housing initiatives serving local community members. Furthermore, the project is structured to provide hands-on, real-world construction experience alongside classroom instruction.
“The partnership project has evolved over multiple semesters as part of the Construction Apprenticeship program. Initial planning for the broader tiny home and community build concept began several years ago. Progress was temporarily delayed following the impacts of Hurricane Helene and regional recovery efforts in Western North Carolina,” Baxley said. “Current active build phases are continuing throughout the academic year and are expected to remain an ongoing partnership opportunity for future apprenticeship cohorts.”
Throughout the project, apprentices participated in multiple phases of residential construction, including:
- Foundation verification and squaring
- Sill plate installation
- Main girder beam construction and installation
- Framing activities
- Material staging and handling
- Tool and equipment operation
- Jobsite safety implementation
- Collaboration with skilled trades professionals and supervisors
Angie Hunter, executive director for Transylvania Habitat for Humanity, said these partnerships help bridge the gap between education and industry while creating tangible community impact.
“The partnership between Blue Ridge Community College and Transylvania Habitat for Humanity is a powerful example of what can happen when education and community impact come together,” she said. “Through hands-on experience building a cottage home in our Hope Springs community, apprentices are gaining real-world construction skills while earning credit toward their degree and helping address one of our region’s greatest needs — workforce affordable housing.”
Hunter also expressed the long-term value of the partnership with Blue Ridge.
“This collaboration not only prepares the next generation of skilled tradespeople but also creates lasting opportunities for local families to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership,” she added. “We are grateful to Blue Ridge for investing in both students and our community in such a meaningful way.”
Information about Apprenticeship Blue Ridge opportunities is available online at www.blueridge.edu/apprentice.
