The Rosendin Foundation’s Construction Program Upskilled 91 Students

October 28, 2025

3rd Annual TRF Camp Build teaches trade skills to middle school kids from California to Virginia

Austin, TX (August 4, 2025) – The Rosendin Foundation, a dedicated 501(c)(3) non-profit committed to positively impacting communities and empowering individuals, inspired the next generation of construction workers by teaching nearly 100 campers foundational skills at free summer camps held across the country. The third annual TRF Camp Build introduced 51 boys and 40 girls to the construction industry with hands-on learning activities that spanned 21 days in five cities.

TRF Camp Build volunteers taught 7th -10th graders how to use power tools safely, as well as electrical wiring, woodworking, pouring concrete, soldering, and conduit bending. Using their new skills, campers built lamps, concrete stepping stones, dog houses and more. They also got to build virtually using VR and Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology.

“We’re proud to bring valuable hands-on classes to young boys and girls for the third year in a row because we want more people to understand the joy of building and feeling good about your work,” said Hope Piernick, Operations Manager of The Rosendin Foundation. “It’s amazing to see the transformation as students master skills and build confidence, and we hope it shapes their journey as they consider potential careers.”

TRF Camp Build’s 2025 summer season, held May 17- July 18, concluded with highly successful events in Austin, TX, Sterling, VA, Huntersville, NC, Commerce, CA, and McKinney, TX. Organizers credit volunteers from sister companies Rosendin and Modular Power Solutions for helping to develop the program, as well as 57 sponsors who donated over $108,500 in-kind materials and tools.

“Some of our campers never held a power tool before coming to TRF Camp Build, but every one of them walked away with confidence and skills thanks to our partners who came together to support our efforts and work with the kids,” said Sydney Coleman, Rosendin Business Development Specialist.

TRF Camp Build is put on by volunteers, sponsors, and donated resources from across the construction industry. This includes Rosendin, Modular Power Solutions, Milwaukee Tool, DeWalt, United Rentals, IBEW Local 26, The Home Depot Foundation, Border States, Graybar, Klein Tools, Powering Arizona, Dickies, Sherwin-Williams, Balfour Beatty, Buffalo Framing & Truss, IBEW Local 11, NECA LA, Tall Grass Freight, UA 286, Cadence McShane, Delta 260, RRC, Vertiv, Gamechange Solar, Hubbell, Davey Plumbing, Turner Construction, Summit Electrical Supply, Southwire, JE Dunn, Robins & Morton, Texas First, Texas AirSystems, Legacy Lighting, Austin Electrical Training Alliance, Rexel Foundation, Hinge Health, Electrical Training Institute of Southern California, LIUNA, Texas AFL-CIO, Rogers O’Brien Construction, Hellas Construction, Central Texas Building Trades, Bridgeline Exeriors, Strategy 1 Consulting, Victory Designs, Lauren Concrete, Central South Training Carpenters, Sundt, SynerBuild, and IBEW 520.

“We appreciate all our partners, especially Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Klein Tools, which gave each kid a bag of tools to take home,” said Troy Vandine, Rosendin Workforce Development Trainer. “Our construction partners know more than anyone how workforce shortages impact projects, yet they are willing to take time to help us develop the next generation of builders and we are thankful for it.”

The Rosendin Foundation, an advocate for community well-being, supports various non-profit organizations across the country that focus on emotional, nutritional, and occupational health programs. More information can be found at https://www.therosendinfoundation.org/camp-build

What jobs can I get in construction?

Rosendin offers various construction careers including electrical work, woodworking, concrete pouring, and technology roles using VR and Building Information Modeling. Their TRF Camp Build program introduces students to these different career paths through hands-on activities.

How do I learn construction skills?

The Rosendin Foundation’s TRF Camp Build teaches middle and high school students construction skills through free summer camps. In 2025, they taught 91 students across five cities how to use power tools, electrical wiring, woodworking, pouring concrete, soldering, and conduit bending.

Do I need college for a construction job?

Many construction careers don’t require a four-year college degree. Rosendin’s programs show that hands-on training and apprenticeships can lead to successful careers in electrical work and other trades, with opportunities to learn directly from industry professionals.

Can girls work in construction too?

Absolutely! The Rosendin Foundation’s TRF Camp Build had 40 girls participate in 2025, learning the same skills as boys. Construction companies like Rosendin actively encourage girls to explore careers in building, electrical work, and other trades.

What tools do construction workers use?

Construction workers use power tools, electrical wiring equipment, woodworking tools, concrete materials, soldering equipment, and conduit bending tools. At TRF Camp Build, sponsors like Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Klein Tools even gave each student their own bag of tools to take home.

How much money can I make in construction?

Construction careers offer good earning potential. Companies like Rosendin provide training programs like TRF Camp Build because they value skilled workers and face workforce shortages, which often means competitive wages for qualified professionals in the industry.

What can I build as a construction worker?

At Rosendin’s TRF Camp Build, students built lamps, concrete stepping stones, and dog houses. In professional construction careers, you might work on buildings, electrical systems, infrastructure projects, and even use advanced technology like VR and Building Information Modeling.

Is construction work dangerous?

Safety is a top priority in construction. The Rosendin Foundation’s TRF Camp Build specifically teaches students how to use power tools safely, showing that with proper training and precautions, construction work can be performed safely and confidently.

How do I get started in construction?

Programs like The Rosendin Foundation’s TRF Camp Build are great starting points for students in grades 7-10. These free summer camps teach foundational skills and introduce students to the construction industry through hands-on learning activities.

How do I sign up for a free construction camp?

TRF Camp Build accepts applications every year in January, February and March on its website at https://www.therosendinfoundation.org/camp-build