The best way to learn something new is through hands-on experience. That’s why McKee Homes created the Building Futures program – to provide high school students with the opportunity to actually roll up their sleeves and build homes.
Thirty Grade 10 students were selected to participate in the program for the 2025-26 school year. Program manager Sheri McAllister says the students built two single-family homes in Chinook Gate, working with the team at McKee Homes and trade professionals.
The homes feature an open-concept main floor, with an electric fireplace, detached garage, exterior deck and separate basement entrance.
“Building Futures gives kids access to the residential construction industry, knowledge of what a career in the trades or as a business owner could look like, and the confidence to start a job with some familiarity for the tasks at hand,” says McAllister. “There is extreme value in trying a trade before committing to go to post-secondary to pursue it as a career.”
Students in the program participate in everything from surveying, to excavation, foundations, framing, insulation, drywall, carpentry, cabinets, fixture installation and more.
“Participating in the work makes it more accessible. These kids will go to their first jobs having already been on two active construction sites for an entire year,” says McAllister. “One day, these kids will be the experienced workers doing the training.”
Industry partners of the program attend the worksite throughout the year to talk to students about other aspects of the home-building process such as design, marketing and mortgages.
Building Futures was created in 2013 through a partnership with Rocky View Schools Division. The class completes the regular curriculum in an onsite learning space, in addition to participating in construction.
Student Nick Lavallee says the program helped guide him in deciding what kind of career he would like to pursue after high school.
“Building Futures isn’t just about working in the trades. I feel that I truly did build my future here in a way I never could have at a normal high school,” says Lavallee. “I also learned many valuable life lessons about work ethic and responsibility.”
Maleah Hilderman, also a student of the 2025-26 program, says she gained many skills through her experience, including tool safety and learning how to read blueprints.
“This experience has built my confidence, reinforced the value of patience and hard work, and inspired a greater appreciation for the skilled trades and the many career opportunities they provide,” says Hilderman.
Read more about the program at mckeehomes.com.
