The ongoing shortage of skilled trade professionals continues to delay projects and add time and costs. The latest employment data showed 380,000 open construction jobs, roughly 80,000 more openings than a year ago.
That’s why NAHB’s affiliate, the Home Builders Institute (HBI), is ramping up its efforts to increase training for the industry. Working with industry partners, foundations, private and public sector partners, colleges, and universities, HBI is changing misguided perceptions about careers in residential construction.
HBI continues to train the next generation of skilled workers by focusing on previously underrepresented communities, including women, minorities, at-promise youth, veterans, and transitioning military. They are also focusing on getting their curriculum into schools around the country. HBI’s curriculum is U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) approved and endorsed by the NAHB as an industry-recognized curriculum developed by industry experts.
Training Across the Country
HBI is helping to build a network of BuildStrong Academies across the country, providing training programs for youth and adults to meet the demands of the expanding residential construction industry.
The BuildStrong Academy of Colorado in metro Denver was the first of its kind. Backed by the Oakwood Homes Foundation and BuildStrong Education, the curriculum is developed with industry input, creating a training-to-placement model that gets qualified, skilled, and enthusiastic workers into the field where they are needed most.
Photo courtesy HBI
The BuildStrong Academy of Orlando opened in 2021 and is supported by The Home Depot Foundation, West Fraser, and other community and industry organizations. The BuildStrong Academy of Greater New Orleans is slated to open this spring and is fully supported by NFL quarterback Drew Brees’ the Brees Dream Foundation. More academies are expected to open this year in Houston, Phoenix, and Charlotte.
Meeting Demand with Ready-to-Work Graduates
The support from HBI and other private and public sector partners means the 12-week, hands-on intensive training programs are free to anyone 18 and older. Graduating with no debt, unlike a traditional college path, BuildStrong Academy graduates are ready to work from day one with employable skills that are in record demand.
Opportunities in the remodeling industry are endless, but we must all work together to connect the ready workforce of tomorrow in order to support a thriving economy. If you are a remodeler looking to hire focused, well-trained construction professionals, then HBI can help. Visit hbi.org/build-your-workforce for more information.
Add new comment
Related Stories
Study Finds Remodelers’ Net Profits Declined
How far did net profits decline and what's influencing the drop?
Webinar: From Disjointed Design to Cohesive and Efficient—The New American Remodel 2023
Access the recording for the first The New American Remodel webinar held on March 8 at 2 pm CT
Builders Focus on Remodeling as New Construction Declines
Some builders hope to benefit from remodeling's strength, giving a slight boost to new construction confidence
4 Award-Winning Remodeling Projects to Inspire
This selection of Best in American Living Award winners showcases balancing of original character with modern-day design
5 Standout Energy-Efficient Products Spotted at IBS 2023
See what this green remodeler recommends from the show floor
The New American Remodel 2023: Lake House Challenge
The New American Remodel 2023 is the epitome of what a great design-build team can accomplish when faced with tough and unexpected problems
NAHB Releases Remodeler Jobsite Safety Plan Outlines
NAHB recently released a remodelers safety & health program for small remodeling businesses
Reflecting on Remodeling in 2022
Despite a challenging year, remodelers continued strengthening the industry through various efforts
The New American Remodel 2023: Fixing Flaws
A lot of thoughtful problem-solving went into this Florida remodel