Construction training, home expo and rail expansion reshape jobs and travel

Build Smart Institute training launches careers for Roanoke residents as the Spring Home Show benefits local trades

In Roanoke, a local training program focused on construction and trades is expanding opportunities for residents, pairing hands-on courses with real-world work sites. The initiative operates with a paid sponsorship and works with community partners to offer apprenticeships and coursework that culminate in nationally recognized credentials. A major community event, the Roanoke Valley Spring Home Show, will direct proceeds toward scholarships and programs that support students entering the trades.

Build Smart Institute provides flexible training options, including online access and self-paced or instructor-led courses. In Roanoke, participants can complete the Core Fundamentals of Construction and Carpentry, earning credentials through the National Center for Construction and Education Research (NCCER). The program emphasizes practical topics such as steel framing, project supervision, and measuring and cutting with common tools. Staff and instructors are described as welcoming and knowledgeable, contributing to a positive learning environment.

One participant, who previously worked part-time for a delivery company, moved into full-time carpentry after completing the program and gaining industry credentials. The individual completed an apprenticeship training two days a week at Build Smart while working on Habitat for Humanity job sites, a pathway funded in part by ARPA dollars through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley and the city. The apprenticeship led to full-time employment in the construction trades, and the experience included hands-on learning in environments that require safe and precise work. The program’s structure allowed for practical, on-site application and a path to steady employment after training.

A second profile highlights a software developer who sought professional development at Build Smart after his son completed the Core Fundamentals of Construction course. The father’s day job involves coding and managing tech projects, and he found that skills taught at Build Smart—such as leadership, scheduling, and time management—translated well to his current work. The program is described as top-notch and relevant across fields, with learners noting that the skills and life lessons shared by instructors help improve organization, efficiency, and client support. Build Smart offers online training that can be accessed from anywhere, with options for self-paced study or instructor-led sessions, and courses that can be customized for companies without interrupting day-to-day operations.

In Roanoke, the organization behind the training programs also shares success stories from alumni who describe varied outcomes. For example, graduates have reported gaining entry into the construction trades, pursuing further credentials, and applying project-management concepts to other professional settings. The program emphasizes that its offerings are designed to be affordable, local, and accessible to a broad range of learners. Those interested in exploring opportunities are encouraged to visit the program’s website or call for information about enrollment and schedules.

The Roanoke Valley Spring Home Show returns for a 53rd year at the Salem Civic Center. The event is a home renovation and lifestyle expo featuring numerous exhibitors and vendors. Proceeds from ticket sales support scholarships for students entering the trades through programs in the region. A Silent Auction is part of the show, with proceeds directed back to local trade school programs at several institutions serving the Roanoke area. Organizers describe the show as a community resource that connects homeowners with contractors, designers, and suppliers while supporting local training initiatives.

Event organizers note that the show runs on a weekend schedule, with typical hours spanning a Saturday morning to late afternoon and Sunday morning to mid-afternoon. A spokesperson for the local home builders group described the event as an important venue for education and community engagement, highlighting the role of the show in raising funds that support scholarships and hands-on training opportunities for students pursuing the trades.

Beyond the classroom and community events, transportation updates in the region point to expanded rail service as a potential factor in future economic activity. Two daily Amtrak trains are planned to operate between Washington, D.C., and Christiansburg, Virginia, beginning in 2027. The expanded schedule follows ridership gains on the state’s Amtrak routes, which surpassed 1.4 million riders in 2024, setting a new record with a gain of nearly 5 percent over the previous year. To support these improvements, the state plans to invest hundreds of millions in a six-year program to maintain and expand passenger rail service.

Officials describe the rail project as including a new station platform in Christiansburg, track and signal system improvements, and an Amtrak layover facility in nearby Radford. The historic Christiansburg station building is slated for renovation beginning in 2027. The plan also includes stops along the Christiansburg–Washington route at several Virginia cities, with connections available at Washington Union Station to other Amtrak services. Local leaders emphasize that passenger rail can support economic growth, create jobs, and offer an efficient travel option alongside existing highways.

Traffic patterns in the region are also monitored, with analyses suggesting notable shifts in congestion levels. In addition to infrastructure work, private technology firms are stepping in to assist local authorities during weather events, helping to ensure continuity of services and support for residents. A brief weather recap indicates a cloudy day with current and upcoming temperatures noted for the coming days, reflecting typical seasonal fluctuations in the area.

The program and events are marketed to a broad audience, with coverage indicating that the institute offers a range of training options for people starting out in construction as well as those already in the field seeking advancement. Sign-up and enrollment are described as straightforward, with reminders that interested individuals can access resources online or by phone to learn more about schedules and available courses.

For more information about Build Smart Institute and its training opportunities, as well as details on the Roanoke Valley Spring Home Show, readers may visit the program’s official site or contact the program by phone to inquire about enrollment, schedules, and scholarship opportunities.

FAQ

• What is the purpose of Build Smart Institute in Roanoke? The program provides accessible construction and trades training with online and in-person options, awarding credentials that support entry into the trades and related careers.

• How does the Roanoke Valley Spring Home Show support trades education? Proceeds from ticket sales and the event’s Silent Auction fund scholarships and local trade school programs, helping students pursue careers in the trades.

• Who can participate in Build Smart Institute programs? The programs are designed for beginners and current professionals seeking advancement, with pathways that include apprenticeship experiences and credentialed coursework.

• What credentials are associated with the courses? Coursework leads to credentials from the National Center for Construction and Education Research (NCCER), which are recognized in the trades.

• What training formats does Build Smart offer? Training is available online, as self-paced or instructor-led sessions, and courses can be customized to meet company or employee needs without disrupting daily operations.

• What is planned for Amtrak service in the region? Beginning in 2027, two daily Amtrak trains are planned to operate between Washington, D.C., and Christiansburg, with several stops along the way, and related infrastructure improvements including a new Christiansburg station platform and a layover facility in Radford.