NBCC Trades Students Construct Tiny Home in Woodstock, Gaining Hands-On Experience and Supporting Community Housing

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Key Takeaways

• Innovative Collaboration: NBCC trades students united across carpentry, plumbing, and electrical programs to build a fully functional tiny home.
• Hands-on Learning: This project provided real-world experience far beyond classroom teaching.
• Community Impact: The 476 square-foot home addresses local housing needs and will soon be auctioned to fund future builds.
• Generous Support: Donors like Nigel Drake, his wife Carolyn, and Avondale Kitchens played key roles in making this vision a reality.
• Future Opportunities: The project paves the way for more innovative, community-based learning experiences in the trades.

The NBCC project is a **spectacular example** of what can be achieved when a dedicated group of students takes on a formidable challenge. Over months of enduring the biting winter weather, these students crafted a tiny, fully functional home — boasting a cozy bedroom, a modern kitchen, and a well-appointed bathroom — all within 476 square feet of ingenuity and care.

*Hands-on learning* was at the heart of this project. Trades students stepped out of traditional classrooms and into real-world scenarios, honing their skills in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. One student described the experience as being on a live job site, emphasizing that “it’s been a beautiful project,” and highlighting the invaluable learning opportunity.

The project was not just a training exercise; it was a community endeavour. Inspired by Nigel Drake, an NBCC carpentry alumnus and CEO of Drake Construction, the build was set in motion with the generous donation of $50,000 by him and his wife, Carolyn. Additional support came through Avondale Kitchens, which upgraded the home with high-quality cabinets and features valued at $15,000. As Kirby Rushton, Dean of Trades at NBCC Woodstock, noted, this was “a collaborative journey fueled by ideas and support and belief and experiential learning.”

Looking ahead, the tiny home will be auctioned, with the funds contributing to the next NBCC student build. This initiative not only helps mitigate the skills gap in the trades but also provides much-needed affordable housing in the Woodstock community. Angie Godin, NBCC Woodstock’s Local Community Engagement Strategist, encapsulated the project’s spirit:

“Your future is limitless. Go forth and have a great, great future.”

Frequently Asked Questions

• What inspired the tiny home project?

  The project was inspired by the vision of Nigel Drake and the need to bridge classroom learning with real-world application while assisting community housing needs.

• Who were the key contributors?

  Key contributors included NBCC trades students, faculty, Nigel Drake and his wife Carolyn for their generous donation, and Avondale Kitchens for their material support.

• How does this project benefit students?

  It offers practical, hands-on experience that enhances technical expertise and teamwork, preparing them for future challenges in the trades industry.

• What is the future plan for the tiny home?

  The tiny home is set to be auctioned, with the proceeds funding the next student build, further enriching educational experiences and community support.