Woody and Buzz Lightyear. Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani. Lucy and Ethel. What do these pairs have in common? They’re all notorious “odd couples” who despite their differences, joined forces to do good (and have fun while doing it!) Like all great stories, Chico has its own tales of unexpected hometown heroes who team up to make the community better.
Training paves the way for the future
Want a real-life example of this concept? Look no further than Hands On Tools Mobile Construction Training, a local non-profit started in response to the 2018 Camp Fire. After wildfire destroyed over 15,000 homes in Butte County, Valley Contractors Exchange saw a need for more people trained in construction skills. The result? A mobile training program that married technology and construction on four wheels.
Introducing construction skills to unexpected places
The Hands On Mobile Tool Construction Training (MCT) brings a truck and 20’ trailer equipped with a mobile classroom filled to the brim with enough tools to build a house. A full-time, licensed contractor with over two decades of experience is at the helm, instructing students on a wide variety of construction skills. The goal: equip newbies with basic construction skills and help current construction workers improve their skills so they can advance their careers.
Unexpected partnership brings new skills to more Chicoans
“Many hands make light work” which is why partners are key to the MCT’s success. Over the years, this organization has benefited by teaming up with unexpected yet eager partners like Butte County Probation, Butte County Local Food Network, local middle and high schools, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the North Valley, and other local organizations.
MCT is supported by a Board of Trustees made up of wonderful community members from Trilogy Construction, Achieve Charter School, Slater and Son General Contractors, and Franklin Construction. It just goes to show, people from all walks of life and skills and backgrounds interacting together make Chico the strong community it is today.
Want to learn more about this incredible program? Head to the MCT website here!