Building Futures: Highlights from the 2025 B.U.I.L.D. Harnett Event
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Today marks the final day of Harnett County Schools Career & Technical Education (CTE)’s B.U.I.L.D. Harnett event - an impressive, hands-on week where high school students showcase their skills in the construction trades, gain real-world experience, and build valuable connections with industry professionals across Harnett County.
This week, students have participated in a variety of skilled trade experiences, including a three-day carpentry event at Central Carolina Community College’s Harnett Campus, where teams have worked together to construct a fully built shed. The project concludes today, Wednesday, April 16, with awards being issued at 12:45 p.m. (EST). Visit HCS CTE’s Facebook page for final results and details on how to bid on the teams' completed sheds.
This year’s charity shed is being built by Western Harnett High School, with auction net proceeds donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Visionaries Campaign, in memory of Laura Yarbrough and David Price.
In addition to carpentry, students had the opportunity to participate in an electrical event, completing residential and commercial wiring practicums, and taking the NEC Code exam. A new plumbing component was introduced this year, offering students a hands-on opportunity to explore another in-demand trade, with a practicum guided by local industry professionals.
Here’s a look at some of the highlights from this week:
- Friday, April 11: Partner Thank You Breakfast – A kickoff event celebrating the educators, employers, and partners who make this initiative possible.
- Monday, April 14 – Wednesday, April 16: Carpentry Event (Days 1–3) – Students collaborated to build a shed, culminating in a team awards ceremony.
- Tuesday, April 15: Electrical Event – Hands-on wiring practicums, judging, and the NEC Code exam.
- Wednesday, April 16: Plumbing Event – A new addition this year offering students a guided and judged practicum experience.
This year, HCS CTE remained committed to supporting local businesses, agencies, and the growing construction trades sector in Harnett County and the region. Thanks to the continued support of Harnett County's community partners, the North Carolina General Assembly, and the students, HCS CTE fully funded the building materials for this year’s events and expanded it to include the plumbing event.
Coordinated by HCS CTE in collaboration with the Harnett County Business Education Partnership (HCBEP), supported by the North Carolina General Assembly, Central Carolina Community College, and our local business community, B.U.I.L.D. Harnett continues to grow, empowering students, strengthening workforce pipelines, and celebrating the power of community collaboration.
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