Investing in the Next Generation of Builders: How Wausau Supply Company Supported North Carolina’s S.H.E.D. Competition

As the construction industry continues to face a growing skilled‑trades shortage, innovative programs across the country are stepping up to introduce students to trades careers and give them meaningful, hands‑on experience. One standout initiative is the S.H.E.D. Competition (Students Hands‑On Experience in Design), organized by Connect for Success NC, a nonprofit dedicated to building pathways from classroom to career.

This year, Wausau Supply Company was proud to support the program by donating Diamond Kote® siding for all six shed build projects and providing funding, a partnership that strengthened workforce development efforts and helped us build valuable new relationships within a rapidly growing market.

What Is the S.H.E.D. Competition?

The S.H.E.D. (Students Hands‑On Experience in Design) Competition gives high school students a fully immersive, job‑site‑simulated experience. Working in teams of six, students build a shed to full code and specification, guided by local general and specialty contractors who mentor them throughout the process.

The competition is more than a build, it’s a pipeline:

Students gain exposure to real construction processes.
Contractors provide direct mentorship and career guidance.
Schools and industry partners collaborate to prepare future trades professionals.

The program currently operates in Wake, Lee, and Pender counties and is expanding into Franklin, Granville, Nash, and Vance counties beginning in 2026, widening its impact across North Carolina.

In addition to carpentry skills, the competition emphasizes safety and professionalism. Students complete OSHA‑10 training, receive morning safety toolbox talks, and have their finished sheds judged by local inspectors. Some students even transition directly into apprenticeships with the contractors who mentor them.

Why Wausau Supply Company Got Involved

As Wausau Supply continues its expansion in North Carolina, our Territory Manager Diane Velasquez recognized the S.H.E.D. program as a strategic opportunity to support workforce development in a high‑growth market, build visibility for Diamond Kote® with contractors and educators, engage authentically with the local construction community, and strengthen relationships in an emerging territory.

The program’s strong mission, exposing students to construction careers while connecting industries with the next generation, aligned perfectly with our values and the goals.

Meaningful Impact, Tangible Results

Our support created both community and business impact:

Strengthening the local construction workforce: The program helps students gain hands‑on skills and insights into career pathways, helping address North Carolina’s growing demand for skilled tradespeople. In Wake County alone, the competition engaged 60 students under contractor mentorship at Rolesville High School.

Authentic product exposure for Diamond Kote®: Contractors mentoring student teams worked directly with our donated Diamond Kote® siding during the build, a powerful, real‑world product demonstration environment.

Alignment with a mission-driven organization: Connect for Success NC is deeply committed to reducing the skilled‑trades shortage “one student at a time.” Their vision is to be the premier connector between graduating students and hiring companies, building a clear pathway from school to career.

A Shared Commitment to the Future of the Trades

Supporting North Carolina’s S.H.E.D. Competition is more than a sponsorship, it’s part of Wausau Supply Company’s commitment to investing in the next generation of builders and supporting communities where we work and serve.

Programs like this demonstrate what’s possible when educators, contractors, manufacturers, and students come together around a shared mission: strengthening the future of the construction industry.

We proudly stand alongside Connect for Success NC and look forward to supporting more opportunities that connect young talent with meaningful careers in the trades.