Student Taps Into Industry Through Scholarship, HBA Member

As the saying goes, Dylan Bruner has maximized his options. Not only did he earn a scholarship from Home Builders Care of F-M Foundation last year, he secured a job with HBA of F-M member Roers Construction Joint Venture LLC.

Every year, Home Builders Care Foundation offers scholarships to students pursuing a degree within the trades industry.

Bruner graduated from West Fargo High School in 2019. He continued his education at North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, following a three-year plan to obtain degrees in both building construction technology and construction management. In his free time, Bruner loves to hunt, fish and work on his truck, all of which demonstrate his affinity for an active, constructive lifestyle.

Bruner’s junior year of high school ignited his interest in the trades industry.

“I took a class in high school that allowed us to build a house from the ground up, and I really enjoyed working hands-on,” he says. “I prefer being able to physically see progress being made.”

One requirement NDSCS students have to graduate is logged hours with a construction company. Last summer, Bruner ended up getting a job offer from Roers Construction Joint Venture LLC and has gained a lot of knowledge.

Scott Wirth, Human Resource Manager at Roers hired Bruner and has kept him on the books since, even when he went back to Wahpeton for school.

“Working at Roers has vastly improved my experience level,” Bruner says. “I have learned how to do more finish work, a lot of tricks for rough carpentry and have done a small amount of steel and concrete work. All of it has opened my eyes as to how much really goes into putting up a commercial building.”

Although Bruner’s practical experience is crucial for his future career, he is thankful for the scholarship funds awarded by Home Builders Care Foundation.

“The scholarship money has really helped relieve the stress of loans for school and has helped me pay for my tools to start working in class and at Roers,” Bruner says.

Bruner is currently in his second year of his three-year plan at NDSCS. Along with gaining more experience with building, he plans to learn about the business side of the industry as well.

Contact Summer Hammond at (701) 232-5846 or summer@hbcfm.com for more details about Home Builders Care Foundation’s scholarship opportunities.