Building Futures Together: How PRO Members Can Support the Next Generation of Trades Professionals
Montgomery County’s Construction Trades Program is doing more than teaching students about the trades—it’s giving them the tools to build real homes and real careers. With over 400 students enrolled across Thomas Edison High School of Technology and Seneca Valley High School, the program offers hands-on training in architecture, project management, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and masonry.
One of the program’s most impactful initiatives is the Young Americans House Program, where architecture students compete to design a home from the ground up. The winning design becomes the blueprint for a house constructed by their peers in the trade school. These homes are then sold to fund future projects and scholarships, creating a self-sustaining cycle of education and opportunity.
PRO’s Role in Supporting Workforce Development
PRO’s Workforce Development Committee is proud to be aligned with this mission. Rob Medley, President of the 2025 PRO Board of Directors, and Daniel Carrero, Workforce Development Committee Chair, serve on the Board of Directors for the Construction Trades Foundation (CTF). Their involvement includes attending board meetings, reviewing student designs, and helping source materials through sponsors to ensure the homes are built efficiently and with a realistic budget—an essential learning experience for students.
Daniel and his team have been instrumental in guiding the interior design process for YA45, helping students understand the importance of complete planning, budgeting, and sourcing before construction begins. Their goal is to help the program generate profit from each home sale, which can then be reinvested into land purchases and scholarships.
How You Can Help: A Call to PRO Members
We’re inviting all PRO members to join us in supporting this incredible program. There are many ways to get involved—whether you have time, resources, or expertise to share:
Ways to Participate:
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Mentorship & Internships: Become a PRO Mentor and help guide students through real-world challenges. Seniors also need internship hours—your business could be the perfect fit.
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Design Recognition: Help us celebrate student achievement by supporting the Rising Star Design Award at our upcoming Gala. We’ll showcase the winning design and invite the student and their family to attend.
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Scholarships & Tool Kits: Contribute to starter tool sets for students in each trade—an impactful way to launch their careers.
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SkillsUSA Support: Volunteer as a judge or help develop competition criteria and judging matrices for local and regional events.
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Material Sourcing & Sponsorships: Assist with interior design, help source affordable materials, or connect us with sponsors for tools, materials, supplies, and funding.
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Job Placement: Help us build a job fair list for the PRO website to connect graduates with employment opportunities.
Why It Matters
Montgomery County’s Construction Trades Program is more than a curriculum—it’s a launchpad for future builders, designers, and leaders. By supporting this initiative, PRO members have the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of young professionals and the future of our industry.
Let’s build something bigger—together.
Interested in getting involved? Reach out to the Workforce Development Committee by emailing kimmie@promidatlantic.org
Learn more about this impactful program:
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