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Antonie Curtis (right) reviews an assignment with a student.

When longtime NC Construction Training Partnership instructor Ed Kimsey took a year-long sabbatical to sail The Loop, he knew exactly who should step in to lead his class — one of his very first students, Antonie Curtis.

Curtis, who first enrolled in Kimsey’s carpentry course in High Point in 2013, has built a successful career in the construction industry. Now, he’s come full circle, returning as an instructor to train the next generation of builders.

Originally from Alexandria, Virginia, Curtis developed a passion for working with his hands early on, taking shop class, home economics, and welding in high school. After completing his carpentry training under Kimsey, he gained hands-on experience through an internship with Habitat for Humanity, followed by work with Peace Electric and several renovation-focused construction companies.

Now, as an instructor, Curtis finds deep satisfaction in passing on his knowledge. “Teaching is very honorable,” he said. “When a student finally understands what you’re delivering, it’s incredibly rewarding. There’s a natural camaraderie in construction — it’s teamwork, not all that different from a sports team.”

His enthusiasm hasn’t gone unnoticed. NCHBA Construction Careers Director Kep Paylor describes Curtis as a valuable asset to the program. “His enthusiasm and smile are contagious. He can be really uplifting, and that’s important in a job like this.”

Outside the classroom, Curtis is an accomplished artist, an avid cook, and a budding fisherman with big aspirations. “I’m learning how to fish. One day, I want to catch a blue marlin.”

From student to seasoned professional to mentor, Curtis embodies the success that the Construction Training Partnership strives to cultivate. The Construction Training Partnership works under the umbrella of the NCHBA. Along with a municipality and the NC Housing Finance Agency, NCHBA conducts eight week pre-apprentice classes that include hands-on instruction and related coursework. CTP partner cities include Durham, Greenville and High Point.

This post was written by NC HBA.