FERRUM, VA, July 22, 2026 — Ferrum College, Build Smart Institute, the Franklin County Office of Economic Development, Procon, Inc., and Virginia Housing are celebrating the successful completion of the 2026 Franklin County Future Builders Academy, a two-week summer program introducing high school students to rewarding careers in the skilled trades.
Held on the Ferrum College campus July 6–17, the academy provided high school students ages 14 to 19 from across Southwest Virginia with immersive, hands-on training in the construction trades at no cost. By combining the strengths of higher education, workforce development, local government, and private industry, the program removed financial barriers and exposed students to high-demand, high-paying career opportunities.
The academy featured two specialized weeks of instruction to introduce students to different areas of the construction industry.
Concrete Week (July 6–10), sponsored by Procon, Inc., Ferrum College, and Franklin County, introduced students to commercial concrete construction. Under the guidance of Build Smart Institute instructors and Procon professionals, participants learned about jobsite safety, poured and finished concrete for a permanent structure at Ferrum College, and gained firsthand experience with commercial and industrial construction techniques.
Carpentry Week (July 13–17), sponsored by Virginia Housing, Ferrum College, and Franklin County, focused on woodworking and residential construction skills. Under the guidance of Build Smart Institute instructors, students learned safe tool operation, practiced basic carpentry techniques, and continued building a permanent picnic shelter at Ferrum College’s softball field.
To ensure the program was accessible to all interested students, tuition was fully covered, daily transportation was provided between The Franklin Center in Rocky Mount and Ferrum College, and participants received lunch daily.
“Our partnerships with Build Smart Institute, Franklin County Economic Development, Procon, Inc., and Virginia Housing reflect Ferrum College’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young people to discover their strengths, explore rewarding career paths, and envision bright futures for themselves and our region,” said Dr. Mirta M. Martin, president of Ferrum College. “Experiences like Future Builders Academy help students gain practical skills, build confidence, and see firsthand what’s possible when education and industry work together. We are proud to welcome these students to our campus, introduce them to the Ferrum College community, and help them see the many educational pathways available to support their goals.”
Build Smart Institute President Michelle Ramaker said the academy gives students an authentic introduction to the skilled trades while helping meet the region’s growing workforce needs.
“The enthusiasm and craftsmanship these students have shown over the past two weeks prove that the passion for building is alive and well in Southwest Virginia,” said Ramaker. “By providing high school students with real-world, industry-standard training guided by experienced instructors, we aren’t just teaching trade skills, we’re opening doors to rewarding career pathways. Our collaboration with Ferrum College, Franklin County Economic Development, Procon, Inc., and Virginia Housing helps prepare these students to enter the modern construction workforce with confidence.”
For Procon, Inc., participating in the academy was an opportunity to invest directly in the future of the construction industry by sharing expertise with the next generation.
“At Procon, we believe one of the best ways to strengthen the construction industry is to invest in the next generation,” said Aaron Long, president of Procon, Inc. “By providing students with hands-on experience in concrete construction, we introduce them to career paths they might not otherwise consider. Whether they pursue the skilled trades or construction management, or simply gain a greater appreciation for the craft, we’re honored to help open those doors.”
Franklin County Economic Development Director Danielle Poe said the academy exemplifies the impact that can be achieved through strong regional partnerships focused on workforce development. “Economic development is about building a sustainable future, and that starts with our youth,” said Poe. “The Future Builders Academy demonstrates what is possible when education, industry, and local government work together. We’re grateful to our partners and sponsors for bringing this opportunity to Franklin County and to the students who embraced the experience. We hope many of them will continue pursuing careers that will one day bring their talents back to our community.”
The Future Builders Academy’s impact extends beyond the two-week experience by connecting students with educational and career pathways that can lead directly into the regional workforce. The Academy also serves as a gateway to continued education and workforce training. Students seeking to expand their skills can pursue Ferrum College’s Technical Studies and Construction Project Management programs, developed in partnership with Build Smart Institute. These programs offer opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials, such as NCCER and OSHA-10 certifications, while working toward a college degree.
For more information on workforce training opportunities at Ferrum College, visit the College’s Technical Studies program or Build Smart Institute.
Ferrum College is a private liberal arts institution located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Through personalized, hands-on learning and strong regional partnerships, the College prepares students for meaningful careers and lifelong success, including in high-demand workforce fields through its Technical Studies programs.
Build Smart Institute, based in Roanoke, Virginia, is a leading trade school dedicated to providing accessible, career-focused training in construction and the skilled trades. Its industry-recognized programs prepare students for successful careers in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, construction management, and related fields.
The Franklin County Office of Economic Development promotes sustainable economic growth by supporting business development, strengthening the local workforce, and fostering partnerships that enhance opportunities for residents and employers throughout the region.
Procon, Inc., headquartered in Rocky Mount, Virginia, is a leading commercial and industrial concrete contractor serving Virginia, North Carolina, and surrounding states. Guided by its commitment to integrity, determination, and safety, Procon delivers high-quality turnkey concrete construction services.
Virginia Housing works in partnership with communities across the Commonwealth to help Virginians attain quality, affordable housing while supporting initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods, expand workforce opportunities, and invest in the future of Virginia’s communities.
