At Build Smart Institute, Construction Training Prepares UPS Worker for Carpentry Trade

The following post is a paid sponsorship from Build Smart Institute in Roanoke. If your business or organization is interested in sponsorships or advertisements in The Rambler, you can learn more here.

Ryan Balbach worked part-time at UPS but knew he wanted more.

He found it by enrolling in a building and construction management trade school in Roanoke, and now works full-time as a carpenter.

Looking back, Balbach credits his studies at Build Smart Institute with preparing him for a satisfying position in the construction trades.

“Great courses and great teachers. Everybody was very pleasant,” Balbach said. 

It all began when he applied for a workforce development program based on an interest in the construction industry. Through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley and the city of Roanoke funded by American Rescue Plan Act dollars, Balbach completed an apprenticeship training two days a week at Build Smart, working at Habitat job sites. 

His coursework, titled the Core Fundamentals of Construction and Carpentry, earned him credentials from the National Center for Construction and Education Research.

Balbach’s favorite subject was steel framing, but he also learned the practical skills needed for success. “How to properly open a miter saw table,” he recalled as being especially beneficial. “Build Smart has great staff, very welcoming and knowledgeable.” 

Following completion of his training, Balbach obtained full-time employment at Bohon Construction as a carpenter.

“I like the work atmosphere and the opportunity to work at different locations and sites versus the same place every day. Also, when the job is done, I can see the results of my work in a building or structure that stands the test of time,” he said. 

In 2024, in a special opportunity, Balbach joined Build Smart at the Builder Summit of the Home Builders Association of Virginia in Richmond, where he networked with employers and shared his training experience. “It’s given me lots of opportunity and got my foot in the door, so to speak,” he said. 

While Balbach’s path with Build Smart was a traditional one, Clint Davis’s story illustrates that Build Smart’s reach extends well beyond construction. A longtime software developer, Davis first learned about Build Smart through his son, who completed the institute’s Core Fundamentals of Construction course. 

“After his course was done, Evan told me I should take it too,” Davis said. “He knew I always loved building things with my hands.” 

After completing the Core Fundamentals course, Davis began exploring professional development courses through Build Smart. While his day job involves coding and managing tech projects, he quickly found that the skills he gained in leadership, scheduling, and time management directly relevant to his current position. 

“The courses at Build Smart Institute were top-notch,” Davis said. “Even though I come from a different field, the skills I learned apply to everything I do.” 

Build Smart’s online training options can be accessed anytime, from anywhere, offering flexibility for busy professionals. Courses are self-paced or instructor-led and can be customized to meet the needs of companies and their employees without interrupting day-to-day operations. Classes include project supervision, estimating, communication and project management. 

“My favorite part of the program was the life lessons the instructors shared from their time working in the field,” Davis said. “Learning from their experience helps me make better choices and avoid common mistakes.” 

Today, Davis said he is better organized, more efficient, and able to support both his customers and his family.

“They are effective, affordable and local,” Davis said. “Build Smart is my go-to resource for training and professional development.” 

To learn more about Build Smart Institute’s skills trade and professional development training, including online and training opportunities, or how Build Smart can play a role in employees’ development, go online at buildsmartinstitute.com or call (540) 900-3340. 

If your business or organization is interested in sponsorships or advertisements in The Rambler, you can learn more here.