A Hands-On Workshop for HBI & BuildStrong Academy Students

Learn how to use and make AI the tools that make you faster, safer, and job-site ready.

Instructor: Mark Derho – AI Consultant, Executive Business Consultant, Accomplished Writer, Veteran, Creator of the HBI Trades Calculator GPT, Former General Contractor, Skilled Carpenter, Mason

WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?

Because the construction industry is changing—fast. Today’s best tradespeople use AI just like they use tape measures, levels, and saws. This workshop shows you exactly how to use AI to:

• Plan jobs more accurately
  
• Estimate materials and cost ranges
  
• Communicate like a pro
  
• Avoid mistakes
  
• Stand out to employers
  
• Become the person others count on
  

This is NOT a tech class.

This is a straightforward, hands-on workshop for carpentry, masonry, electrical, and plumbing students.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

✔ Real Job-Site Prompts That Actually Work

You’ll walk away with a sheet of “ready-to-use” prompts for:

• Materials lists
  
• Scope of work
  
• Safety notes
  
• Step-by-step planning
  
• Customer communication
  
• Tool lists
  
• Resumes & job applications
  
• Code explanations (in simple language)
  

✔ How to Build Your First Custom GPT

We’ll build a beginner-level tool together—right in class:
The Job-Site Planner GPT
It outputs materials, tools, safety notes, and workflow steps for any task you give it.

✔ How to Use the HBI Trades Calculator GPT

Created just for HBI, this custom model handles:

• Carpentry takeoffs
  
• Masonry block calculations
  
• Electrical basics
  
• Plumbing materials
  
• Cost ranges
  

One prompt gets you a full plan.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

• Carpentry students
  
• Masonry students
  
• Electrical students
  
• Plumbing students
  
• Any HBI student preparing for job-site work
  
• Anyone who wants a serious edge in the workforce
  

No experience with AI is required. If you can text, you can do this.

WHAT TO BRING

• Your phone or laptop
  
• Your curiosity
  
• One real job task you’d like help planning
  (Example: “Frame a wall,” “Install a vanity,” “Lay block,” “Wire a switch.”)
  

FORMAT

• Duration: 2 hours
  
• Style: Hands-on workshop + live demos
  
• Energy: Fast, fun, real-world, no jargon
  
• Outcome: You leave with real tools you can use immediately
  

FREE for HBI/BuildStrong Academy Students

LEVEL UP YOUR SKILLS.

LEVEL UP YOUR FUTURE.
Spots are limited. Reserve your seat early.