News and Updates:
Thank you to all the OMB Members who partnered with the Residential Construction Academy over the last couple of weeks! John Erwin and Gina Carlson shared wisdom during mock interviews. And several members joined us for the Job Fair. The 2nd Cohort of students graduated on December 16th and six out of seven students are already employed!
3rd Cohort of Residential Construction Academy at SPSCC Aims to Tackle Washington’s Housing Crisis
10-week certification program launches January 6, 2026, offering hands-on training and direct pathways into the construction workforce
October 31, 2025, Olympia, WA — South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC), in partnership with the Olympia Master Builders (OMB) Foundation and United Way of Thurston County (UWTC), is launching a third cohort of the a 10-week Residential Construction Academy to train and certify the next generation of skilled construction professionals.
With Washington state facing a shortage of 225,000 housing units, the Residential Construction Academy is stepping up to address the critical labor gap in the homebuilding industry. The 3rd cohort of the program begins on January 6, 2026, with three orientation sessions available on November 13, December 2, or December 17, 2025. Each session begins at 3:30 pm.
The Academy is the result of a United Way led taskforce that identified workforce development as one of the region’s top challenges. With guidance and support from industry experts and local workforce leaders, students will gain practical, hands-on experience in residential construction, preparing them to enter the trades immediately upon graduation.
Fast Facts:
- Program Length: 10 weeks
- Start Date: January 6, 2026
- Choose from Three Orientation Dates: November 13, December 2 or December 17, 2025. Each session begins at 3:30 pm. (required to enroll)
- Who Can Apply: Individuals aged 18+ interested in construction careers
- Scholarships: Available for those seeking to enter the workforce immediately after certification.
How to Register
Students must first attend an orientation session. Registration and program details are available through SPSCC https://spscc.edu/corporate-continuing-education/residential-construction