03 Sep Home Solutions and Workforce Development: Boys & Girls Club
At Home Solutions, community involvement is more than just a gesture; it’s a commitment. As a member of the Home Builders’ Association (HBA) of the Sioux Empire, Eric Yost, the owner of Home Solutions, is passionate about contributing to the growth of Sioux Falls, especially through workforce development. Eric’s participation in the HBA’s Workforce Development Committee has allowed him to make a meaningful impact on local youth by introducing them to the world of construction.
The Workforce Development Committee plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the building industry by creating opportunities for young people to gain hands-on experience. One of the committee’s key initiatives is partnering with the Boys & Girls Club to host workshops where HBA members, like Eric Yost, share their expertise and time. These events are designed to give children a chance to explore the building trades and develop practical skills in a fun, supportive environment.
Teaching Skills through Hands-On Projects
During recent workshops, the kids built wooden toolboxes and bird houses under Eric’s guidance. The project was not just about learning to drill screws; it was about instilling confidence and a sense of accomplishment. The children used compact drills to assemble the toolboxes & bird houses, and Eric ensured their safety by first demonstrating the correct way to operate the tools. He then supervised them closely as they worked. This approach allowed the kids to experience the thrill of using real tools while staying safe.
“The hands-on experience lets the kids enjoy the process of building, but it also gives them something more,” Eric explains. “They feel proud of having made something with their own hands. It’s empowering.”
Commitment to Ongoing Community Involvement
This event was not a one-off experience. The HBA Workforce Development Committee has committed to hosting four events annually with the Boys & Girls Club. This ongoing partnership underscores the importance of exposing kids to career possibilities within the building industry. Eric’s active role in these events speaks to his dedication not only to the construction field but also to the future workforce of Sioux Falls.
As a business owner, Eric understands that community involvement helps build trust. “Being so involved in the community shows that we’re here to stay,” he says. “We’re not the kind of contractor that does a job and disappears. We want people to know that we’re committed to Sioux Falls for the long term.”
Why Community Involvement Matters
For Eric, it’s important for local businesses like Home Solutions to be involved in initiatives like this, especially when it comes to working with young people. “It helps maintain and reinforce the professionalism, credibility, and desirability of the building industry,” he notes. “And it reminds people how vital the building industry is to our community.”
By connecting with the next generation, Home Solutions and the HBA are doing more than just teaching kids how to use tools—they are showing them the possibilities that exist within the building trades and helping them build a brighter future.