Install Olympics Sparks Interest in Trades With Younger Generations

Renewal by Andersen of Greater Twin Cities Sparks Interest in Trades With Younger Generations

We all grow up dreaming of what we will someday become—a doctor, a teacher, a firefighter, an astronaut, a veterinarian—but did you ever dream of becoming a window installer? As a kid, did you ever even know that was a profession?

Our installers are a vital part of our teams, an essential function of what we do, but the younger generations’ interest and knowledge of the trades is drying up. RbA of the Greater Twin Cities (GTC) has found a way to give back to the community in a way that will also develop interest in the trades in younger generations.

For the past two years, RbA of the GTC has been investing in the installers of the future through partnerships with local schools in the Twin Cities metro area, giving students a taste of what installer work looks and feels like. This usually starts with an introduction of RbA early in the school year followed by an Install Olympics later in the year. Then they help with course material and projects in student shop classes. Finally, they demonstrate how an RbA window is installed and donate the product to allow students to practice whenever they want.

The Install Olympics has been especially engaging for students. It involves three hands-on challenges for students to complete, spiced up with a bit of friendly, team competition. The challenges include a caulking wall, drills, and wood cutting and measuring. 

“I love to share with the younger generations how working hard WILL pay off and how it can so positively boost their career and relationships in life,” said Keagan Hackman, associate install manager for RbA of the GTC who helped start up this initiative. “Everyone has a special something about themselves, and I tell the students to figure out what theirs is, develop it, grow it, and use it to stand out.”