Students gain real-world experience while helping with local housing crunch
Students in trades programs at NBCC’s Woodstock campus are gaining collaborative, hands-on experience while helping to create more affordable homes, thanks to a generous $50,000 donation.
The money, from Nigel Drake (CEO of Drake Construction Ltd. and NBCC alumnus) and his wife Carolyn, will support trade students at the NBCC Woodstock campus.
Students are using the funds to construct a one-bedroom tiny home as part of their experiential learning.
The project began in early February and will be completed by the end of April. After construction, the tiny home will be available for purchase. NBCC will oversee the sale, with proceeds funding the next build, creating a sustainable cycle of hands-on education and community support.
The house is currently being constructed on a lot across the street from the Woodstock campus. Once purchased, it will be up to the buyer to secure a permanent location for the 14 x 32-square-foot, one-bedroom, one-bathroom home.
“The goal of this project is to give back for the training I received (at NBCC) while helping others transition into their careers and work together to support our community,” said Nigel.
“By building one additional home, we can make a small impact on the housing crisis. This could evolve into an annual initiative within the carpentry, electrical, and plumbing programs, allowing students to be part of the process from start to finish—and perhaps it will inspire a student to do much greater things to help the homeless and marginalized,” he added.
In an NBCC news release, the college said the initiative “provides students with invaluable hands-on experience, allowing them to apply their skills in a real-world setting. Constructing a lasting home also helps minimize material waste, promoting sustainability in the building process, and making a meaningful impact on the local housing market.”
“It’s been awesome working on the Tiny House,” said NBCC Carpentry student Klinton Doucette. “There’s such a huge difference between learning from a book or a diagram and actually getting out there, using your hands, and figuring things out as you go—all while facing conditions, like roofing in -32°C with 55 km/h winds. I’d say it’s a perfect example of the challenges we might face on the job. I think overall, this experience has probably been my favourite part of the school year.”
NBCC noted that the Town of Woodstock, local contractors, and inspectors are working together to ensure all necessary permits and codes are met, supporting the project and the future workforce of New Brunswick Trade’s sector.
“The Town is pleased to support the project by temporarily providing the land adjacent to the college for the construction of the tiny home,” said Woodstock Mayor Trina Jones. “It is thanks to the dedication of community advocates like Nigel Drake and the trades instructors at NBCC, that this project has become a reality.”
Jones, who enrolled in the Carpentry program during COVID-19 (2020-2021), often discussed with her instructor, Garth Cleghorn, ways for students to build something meaningful.
“It’s amazing in 2025 to see this come full circle. With all the challenges we are currently facing in our province and communities, I hope our campus understands how much we value the school in our community and that we are here to work together to support each other. This is how strong, resilient communities thrive —I can’t wait to see the final result,” said Jones.
“We look out for each other, that’s what makes the Woodstock community so special,” said Kirby Rushton, NBCC’s Dean of Trades. “Thanks to Nigel and Carolyn’s generosity and vision, this project is not only building homes—it’s helping to build futures. Students are gaining real-world training as they collaborate across the Electrical, Carpentry, and Plumbing programs, alongside local contractors and inspectors. At the same time, our community will see real benefits from much-needed affordable housing. We’re incredibly grateful to be part of this project.”
As awareness of this project grows, organizations and individuals have generously donated materials and funds. If you want to get involved with this project or support NBCC, please contact the NBCC Advancement Office at (506) 371-3101 or email advancement@nbcc.ca.
