Building Trades & Workforce Development

We see one of the most significant threats to our historic neighborhoods also as one of our community’s biggest opportunities. Every day, we hear from owners of historic properties seeking experienced trades people to help them with repairs, maintenance and restoration work. Similarly, we hear from tradespeople about their workforce challenges.

It all comes down to people. How do we recruit and train talent? How do we make sure they find fun and fulfilling careers while earning a living wage? How do we help our neighbors care for and maintain their older homes and our community’s historic resources? Our preservation values and strategic plan take an inclusive approach to making preservation and resources more accessible to everyone through education, engagement and participation. We are looking at the issue from several different angles in an effort to both enhance workforce development and to provide training in the building trades and to help build a community of rehabbers.

To facilitate rehabilitation and revitalization in our community, Historic Richmond will be sponsoring a series of free workshops. The first workshop was held at Oakwood Arts in partnership with Karnage Construction and focused on an introduction to maintenance needs specific to older homes, vetting contractors and what it means to live in a City Old and Historic District.

We are exploring partnerships to advance workforce development and building trades. We look forward to sharing more information as we find new ways to collaborate with skilled tradespeople, high schools, universities and other partners to grow awareness and provide new opportunities to learn necessary skills.

Additional workshops covering a variety of topics will be announced soon.

Join us for one of the listening sessions below and share your needs and ideas with us in exchange for drinks and snacks. If you are unable to attend but still want to provide feedback, please send us an email at [email protected].

• Homeowners: Wednesday, October 11 at 6 pm at Patrick Henry's Pub
• Nonprofits, schools, program partners: Wednesday, October 11 at 9 am at Historic Richmond Headquarters
• Tradespeople and construction professionals: Thursday, October 12 at 6 pm at Patrick Henry's Pub

Click the appropriate links above to register.

All sessions are free and are expected to last 60 minutes. Refreshments will be served.  Street parking is available at Patrick Henry's Pub. Parking at our office is available behind the building, street parking is available as well.