This year at Building Value, our work continued to prove that deconstruction is about far more than buildings. It’s about people, pathways to employment, and creating lasting value—for individuals, neighborhoods, and the environment.

Training That Leads Somewhere

Over the course of the year, 61 participants took part in our hands-on deconstruction and construction training programs. These participants didn’t just learn in a classroom—they learned on active job sites, gaining practical skills that translate directly into careers in the trades.

Of those participants, 32 graduated and secured jobs, marking a meaningful step toward economic stability and long-term career growth.

Expanding Access in the Trades

Construction remains a male-dominated industry, which makes access and representation critical measures of progress. This year, 18% of our trainees were women, more than four times the industry average.

While not all participants completed the program, the presence of women in training reflects intentional outreach, supportive learning environments, and growing interest in construction careers among populations historically excluded from the trades.

Deconstruction with Purpose

Our crews completed 24 building deconstruction projects this year. Each project required careful, hands-on dismantling—not demolition—to maximize material recovery and provide real-world learning opportunities.

Through this work, we successfully salvaged more than 36,000 pounds of building materials, keeping valuable resources out of landfills and redirecting them back into the community through reuse and resale.

The result is a model where environmental sustainability and workforce development go hand in hand: materials are preserved, skills are built, and participants gain experience that employers value.

Measuring What Matters

While numbers help tell the story, the true impact lies behind them—people gaining confidence, learning how to work safely and effectively on a job site, and moving into employment with skills they can carry forward.

This year’s outcomes reinforce what we know to be true: when workforce training is grounded in real work, supported by strong partnerships, and aligned with community needs, it creates lasting change.

As we look ahead, we remain focused on strengthening these pathways, expanding access, and continuing to prove that Building Value means investing in people just as much as materials.