GOLDSBORO, N.C. –- Habitat for Humanity of Goldsboro-Wayne successfully concluded its inaugural Habitat Construction Camp on Thursday with a graduation ceremony that showcased student achievements to parents and community members. The groundbreaking program represents a significant step forward in addressing the construction industry’s workforce development needs while empowering young people to explore skilled trade careers.
Program Overview and Student Engagement
The four-day intensive camp served 11 students aged 16-18 at Wayne Community College’s new Center for Industrial Technology and Engineering building. Participants gained hands-on experience working alongside construction industry professionals across three core disciplines: framing, electrical work, and plumbing.
“We are so proud of what these students accomplished,” said Matthew Whittle, Habitat Executive Director. “They did a fantastic job. We were impressed by how engaged everyone was and how hard they worked. This was a great week for them, a great week for Habitat and a great week for the construction industry.”
Comprehensive Skills Training
Day One: Foundation and Framing
Under the guidance of Habitat’s construction team members David Johnson and Braulio Ramez, students learned fundamental framing techniques. They constructed four 4-by-8-foot modules, building and sheathing both floor systems and walls to create the foundation for their projects.
Day Two: Electrical Systems
Electrician and electrical inspector Robby Jenkins led students through electrical installation processes. Participants successfully ran wires and installed functional components including a small panel box, two outlets, a light switch, and an overhead light fixture—all connected to live power for real-world testing.
Day Three: Plumbing Installation
Sebastian Jackson and Joshua Smith from Jackson & Sons provided expert instruction in plumbing systems. Students gained practical experience installing a working sink and toilet, completing their bathroom modules with fully functional plumbing connections.
Career Impact and Student Outcomes
The program’s immediate impact on participants demonstrates its effectiveness in career exploration and workforce development. Student testimonials reveal the camp’s success in inspiring career direction.
“Before camp I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after high school. Now I’m seriously thinking about a career in the construction industry,” said participant Jessiah McLamb.
This response aligns perfectly with the program’s primary objective of cultivating future construction industry professionals to address critical workforce shortages.
Industry Partnership and Workforce Development
The camp addressed a pressing industry need, as emphasized by program partners. Dale Lindsay, Manager at Richards Building Supply, highlighted the urgency of workforce development initiatives, noting the high percentage of current professionals approaching retirement.
“We need new people coming up in our industry,” Lindsay stated. “There are opportunities available for people who want to work.”
Community and Industry Support
Heather Williams, Executive Officer of the Home Builders Association of Wayne County, praised the program’s comprehensive approach and community impact.
“The Home Builders Association of Wayne County was thrilled to be a part of such a well-coordinated program that truly opened the eyes of our local youth to the exciting world of skilled trades,” Williams said. “The construction industry is constantly evolving with new technologies, techniques, and an incredible range of specialties under its umbrella, from electrical to HVAC to plumbing and beyond, even interior design.”
Mission-Driven Education
Beyond technical skills training, the program reinforced Habitat for Humanity’s core mission of community building and affordable homeownership. Whittle shared the organization’s broader vision with graduating students.
“Here at Habitat, we believe in the power of affordable homeownership and we believe in the power of community,” Whittle explained. “When you’re in the construction industry you have the ability to impact both. You can build houses that families will turn into homes. You can build classrooms where students will learn. You can renovate downtown storefronts where businesses will thrive.”
Sponsor Recognition and Community Investment
The program’s success was made possible through significant community investment from multiple sponsors, including Wayne Community College, Richards Building Supply, the Home Builders Association of Wayne County, State Electric Supply, Baker Pipes and Parts, Goldsboro Builder’s Discount Center, Jackson & Sons, Robby Jenkins, Precision Plumbing, Worrell Contracting, Ken Jones Construction, NC Community Federal Credit Union, Dillard/Goldsboro Alumni & Friends, Safe Spaces for Teens of Wayne County, and SW Promotions.
Looking Forward
With the first annual Construction Camp’s success, Habitat for Humanity of Goldsboro-Wayne is already planning for expansion. “We are already looking forward to doing this again next year,” Whittle confirmed, indicating the organization’s commitment to ongoing workforce development initiatives.
About Habitat for Humanity of Goldsboro-Wayne
Habitat for Humanity of Goldsboro-Wayne is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable homeownership opportunities throughout Wayne and Lenoir counties. Since its founding in 2001, the organization has built and repaired more than 160 homes while maintaining its core principle that homes are earned, not given.
The organization’s mission centers on sharing God’s love by working with neighbors to build homes, community, and hope through affordable homeownership. Partner families contribute through affordable mortgage payments, 250 partnership hours of construction work, and completion of financial and homeowner preparedness classes.
In 2025, Habitat is preparing to launch its first subdivision project, the McNair Heights Neighborhood. Additional information about this project, homeowner applications, and volunteer opportunities is available at www.habitatgoldsboro.org.
