Simpson Strong-Tie Launches Trades Support Program with Local Habitat for Humanity

Pleasanton, Calif. — Simpson Strong-Tie, the leader in engineered structural connectors and building solutions, has launched a Trades Support pilot program with Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley. The goal of the program is to garner interest in the trades as a viable career path for youth and for individuals who have recently been out of the workforce.

The pilot was held on October 14, 2021, at Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley’s workshop in Oakland, California. The day-long event included information and resources about careers in the trades, Simpson Strong-Tie product demos and hands-on activities using Simpson Strong-Tie connectors and fasteners along with the Quik Drive® auto-feed screw driving system. A portion of the day was dedicated to soft skills for successfully interviewing and obtaining a job in the industry.

More than 40 participants, including students in the City of Berkeley, California’s YouthWorks program and a local AmeriCorps program, were able to learn about the benefits of a career in the trades. Based on feedback from the event, some participants are now considering the trades as a potential career they hadn’t thought of before.

“We’re proud to be a partner in this innovative endeavor,” said Janice Jensen, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley. “Our sites and workshops offer a real-world, community-centered classroom for Simpson Strong-Tie in its efforts to support the next generation of skilled tradespeople who are so critical to our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.”

“Construction trades education is one of our four key priorities for giving back to our communities and having a positive social impact,” said Karen Colonias, president and CEO of Simpson Strong-Tie. “We’re excited to support our industry, as we are all feeling the effects of the labor shortage in the trades and elsewhere. We hope to see the Trades Support program expand to other Habitat affiliates throughout the country to promote careers in the trades.”.

About Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc.

Simpson Strong-Tie is the world leader in structural solutions — products and technology that help people design and build safer, stronger homes, buildings, and communities. As a pioneer in the building industry, we have an unmatched passion for problem solving through skillful engineering and thoughtful innovation. Our structural systems research and rigorous testing enable us to design code-listed, value-engineered solutions for a multitude of applications in wood, steel, and concrete structures. Our dedication to pursuing ever-better construction products and technology and surrounding our customers with exceptional service and support have been core to our mission since 1956. For more information, visit strongtie.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

About Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley

We believe that everyone deserves a decent place to live. By creating, preserving, and expanding access to affordable housing, we provide families with the opportunity to transform their lives, gaining the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build a better future. Our innovative model maximizes impact, and families gain economic stability to build a foundation for the future — for themselves, their children, and generations to come.