May 26, 2026
| Apprenticeship Blue Ridge instructors and apprentices work on projects along with Transylvania Habitat for Humanity. Rich Keen / BRCC |
| A partnership between Apprenticeship Blue Ridge and Transylvania Habitat for Humanity has built two more homes in Transylvania County. The project was structured to provide hands-on, real-world construction experience alongside classroom instruction as student apprentices participated in multiple phases of residential construction including foundation verification and squaring, sill plate installation, main girder beam construction and installation, framing, material staging and handling, tool and equipment operation and jobsite safety implementation. Apprenticeship Blue Ridge construction instructor Jason Baxley explained that this work is tied directly to affordable housing initiatives serving local community members. “The partnership project has evolved over multiple semesters as part of the Construction Apprenticeship program. Initial planning for the broader tiny home and community build concept began several years ago. Progress was temporarily delayed following the impacts of Hurricane Helene and regional recovery efforts in Western North Carolina,” Baxley said in a news release. “Current active build phases are continuing throughout the academic year and are expected to remain an ongoing partnership opportunity for future apprenticeship cohorts.” Transylvania Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Angie Hunter said these partnerships help bridge the gap between education and industry while creating tangible community impact. “The partnership between Blue Ridge Community College and Transylvania Habitat for Humanity is a powerful example of what can happen when education and community impact come together,” Hunter said. “Through hands-on experience building a cottage home in our Hope Springs community, apprentices are gaining real-world construction skills while earning credit toward their degree and helping address one of our region’s greatest needs — workforce affordable housing.” Hunter also expressed the long-term value of the partnership with Blue Ridge Community College in Transylvania County. “This collaboration not only prepares the next generation of skilled tradespeople but also creates lasting opportunities for local families to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership,” she added. “We are grateful to Blue Ridge for investing in both students and our community in such a meaningful way.” Information about Apprenticeship Blue Ridge opportunities is available online at www.blueridge.edu/apprenticeship. |