Build for the Future is an initiative in Northern Michigan that focuses on connecting job seekers with careers in the construction trades and related fields primarily in Emmet and Charlevoix counties. This initiative is focused on bringing together all the resources available for career exploration including job shadowing and on-the-job training opportunities. While anyone may use this website, we are focused on those aged 16 to 35 who are seeking information on a long-term career that is personally rewarding with great pay.  

 

On this site you can find:

​

• Information on careers in the construction trades industry in Northern Michigan including jobs in carpentry, drywall, landscaping, roofing, painting, landscaping, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, excavating, architecture and design, and other related fields. 

• Testimonials from young professionals already in the construction field

• Educational resources and scholarship opportunities for post-secondary (after high school) education such as a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management

​​

We are currently adding a list of local companies that are willing to train people who are interested in on-the-job training programs.   

​​

Strategic Alliances 

Build for the Future works with other organizations to help move this initiative forward. Some of our important aligned relationships include the following:

​

• Robert Jensen Dau Foundation - The RJD Foundation has provided substantial funding for the development of the Build for the Future initiative.  The Foundation funds many career development programs in the Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District, including summer building projects. The RJD Foundation is very involved with Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity, an organization that builds homes in our region and also provides on-the-job-training in construction trades. 

​

• BuildYourLife.net  - Build Your Life is a construction trades workforce development initiative in the Traverse City, Michigan, region. This organization has assisted us with website content and other resources. 

​

• Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan (HBANM)

The HBANM has connections with builders and other businesses aligned to the construction industry in Emmet, Charlevoix, Otsego and Cheboygan counties. The group helps with communications about our programs and oversees several scholarships in construction trades. 

​

• Char-Em Intermediate School District (serving all schools in Charlevoix and Emmet Counties)

​

• North Central Michigan College

​

• Northwest Michigan Works

​​

• Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity - provides on-the-job training at their many home-building sites in Northern Michigan 

​

• Local high school building trades programs:

  • Petoskey High School Building Trades Program​

​

​

For more information, contact Janet Chambers at info@build4thefuture.com

​

​

PHOTO CREDITS:

Thank you to these companies for providing photos or allowing for photography on their job sites for this website:   Wentworth Builders, Drost Landscape, The Painter, LLC, Renewit Decks and Outdoor Living, Harbor Springs Excavating, McBride Remodeling. 

​

Thanks to the following for help with content and assistance with the Build for the Future initiative:

McBride Remodeling, Wentworth Builders, Renewit Decks and Outdoor Living, Sheren, Corble Builders, Harbor Springs Excavating, HBA of Northern Michigan. 

​

​