Dever Family Foundation Skilled Trades Education Center

Paul Hemmer Company partnered with the Dan Beard Council to deliver the new Skilled Trades Education Center at Camp Friedlander, a purpose-built training facility designed to introduce youth to careers in the skilled trades. The approximately 10,000-square-foot facility provides a year-round environment where Scouts and community youth can gain hands-on exposure to high-demand trade disciplines including construction, welding, automotive, and technical trades. Delivered using a design-build approach, the project required close collaboration with the owner and project partners to develop a cost-effective building solution aligned with the Council’s fundraising goals and programmatic needs. The facility was designed to maximize instructional flexibility, featuring multiple training bays, collaborative learning areas, and infrastructure to support specialized trade equipment. The building incorporates durable industrial construction systems and workshop-ready infrastructure, ensuring the space can support evolving trade programs while providing a safe, functional learning environment. Through thoughtful design, efficient building systems, and practical construction solutions, the project creates a long-term resource that helps address the growing shortage of skilled trades professionals in the region.