Our Make:able Challenge Journey

11:34 AM PDT · June 1st, 2025

Over the past few months, NextGen Horizon has hit the ground running to prepare the next generation of skilled professionals. We recently visited 13 schools across the valley to speak directly with students. During these visits, we had in-depth discussions about exactly what it means to step onto a live job site, bridging the gap between classroom theory and the real-world expectations of the modern workforce.

Getting students to understand the practical realities of construction and maintenance is the first step. The next step is putting the right knowledge into their hands and connecting them directly with the professionals who physically build our communities.

Building With Purpose

This initiative combines every element of our mission—workforce development, community impact, and empowering youth. It challenges students to think beyond the classroom and connect their potential to real-world career paths. By preparing them for the job site, we are showing that education isn't just about what you learn; it is about the physical legacy you leave behind.

NextGen Horizon is combining workforce education, mentorship, and real-world application to tackle the skilled labor shortage head-on. Through our ongoing school visits and professional workshops, students aren't just learning about construction; they are discovering how they can become the architects of their own future.

The foundation has been laid, the interest has been sparked, and our network of professional tradespeople is growing. We are incredibly proud of the groundwork we have established across the valley, and we are ready to continue guiding our youth from the classroom to the job site.

Equipping the Next Generation: A Guide to the Tools of the Trade

When we speak to the youth at these 13 schools, one of the most exciting parts of the conversation is talking about the gear. Walking onto a job site requires more than just a hard hat; it requires a professional toolkit. For the kids reading this who are ready to start building their future, here is a breakdown of the essential tools you will need to master for each trade:

For the Future Carpenters: Your best friends will be a high-quality 25-foot tape measure and a speed square for marking perfect angles. As you advance, mastering the impact driver will allow you to sink screws quickly and efficiently into tough framing lumber, while a reliable chalk line ensures your walls are perfectly straight from end to end.
For the Future Electricians: Precision is everything. You will need a trusted pair of wire strippers and lineman's pliers for cutting and bending heavy-gauge wire. An essential tool for your safety and success is the digital multimeter—this device allows you to test circuits, measure voltage, and ensure a system is completely powered down before you start working.
For the Future Plumbers & HVAC Techs: Leverage is the name of the game. A heavy-duty pipe wrench and channel locks will help you secure tight fittings and adjust stubborn valves. For HVAC specifically, learning to read manifold gauges will allow you to diagnose pressure issues in air conditioning systems, keeping buildings cool during the brutal Las Vegas summers.

By participating in Make:able, we’re showing that education isn’t just about what you learn — it’s about what you do with that knowledge.

Industry Exposure & Hands-On Workshops

To bring these job site discussions to life, we successfully organized and hosted a series of immersive workshops led by active professionals from across the skilled trades. These sessions gave our students the rare opportunity to learn directly from industry experts, explore different career paths, and understand the day-to-day realities of the workforce. By bringing real tradespeople directly to the students, we ignited a passion for the industry and established a strong foundation of fundamental knowledge.

Through these workshops, we took a deep dive into the specific roles that keep our cities running. We discussed what it takes to succeed in several critical paths:

Carpentry & Construction: The backbone of the build. Students learned about framing, structural integrity, and the precision required to take a project from a blueprint to a standing structure. We discussed the realities of being on your feet, reading plans, and working as a cohesive unit to safely erect a building.
Electrical Work: The power behind the project. Our workshops highlighted the critical thinking and strict safety standards required to wire residential and commercial spaces. Students explored how electricians troubleshoot complex systems, navigate the National Electrical Code, and bring light and power into a home.
HVAC & Plumbing: The lifeblood of property maintenance. We discussed how these tradesmen and tradeswomen regulate environments and manage water systems. From bending pipes to installing complex ductwork and testing refrigerants, students learned how these roles are vital for everyday comfort and sanitation.