BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. — More students in Blount County will be able to access the resources they need to pursue jobs in construction after the Blount Partnership announced thousands of dollars will be used to support students.
It said on social media that a former chapter for trades workers consolidated funds into the Foundation for Future Building Trades. That foundation will use around $441,000 to help students, especially ones who want to have careers constructing residential buildings.
"Whether it be a tile-setter, whether it be an architect, heat and air, plumber, electrician, whatever it might be — our whole goal is for them to get into building trades of some kind. Because if we don't, we're going to lose that as we move forward into the future," said Denver Hunt from the former chapter of Blount County trades workers.
The Blount Partnership said the money will establish classroom grants and scholarships to encourage students to pursue careers in the trades. Starting in Spring 2025, eligible students at Heritage High School, Williams Blount High School and Maryville Junior High School will start getting grants and scholarships.
They will be for $2,500 per semester, according to the Blount Partnership. It also said it anticipates expanding the program into other schools in the future, to "further develop the local construction workforce pipeline."
The Blount Partnership hopes the new fund will help students over the next 20 years.