Workforce Development Partnerships and Programs
NAHB works to leverage strategic partnerships and propel innovative workforce development programs forward to empower the next generation of skilled trade professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a competitive 21st-century economy.
NAHB’s Workforce Readiness Commitment
NAHB, Home Builders Institute (HBI), National Housing Endowment (NHE), and state and local associations are well-positioned to collaborate to elevate the residential construction industry and attract and retain a larger workforce.
To help strengthen the residential construction workforce, NAHB is committed to meeting the following workforce readiness objectives:
- Promote the benefits of careers in residential construction.
- Introduce residential construction careers in early education.
- Identify and recruit prospective workers for the construction industry.
- Market opportunities for skilled labor training.
- Increase positive public perception of careers in the residential construction industry.
To achieve these objectives, NAHB is connecting and introducing HBA and member leaders to local organizations. NAHB serves as an intermediary for NAHB Student Chapters (high schools, community colleges and universities), Career and Technical Education (CTE) high schools, Boys & Girls Clubs, SkillsUSA Clubs, and after-school programs. NAHB has numerous resources for members and HBA staff to engage students of all ages in building activities, experiential learning exercises, competitions and internships. In addition, NAHB connects students directly to career exploration opportunities, internships and apprentice programs.
NAHB National Partnerships and Diversity Initiatives
Collaborating with organizations committed to workforce readiness is vital to addressing the housing industry’s labor shortages and developing a skilled workforce for the future. NAHB’s workforce development partners include the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, SkillsUSA, the American Council for Construction Education and the National Building Museum.
In addition, the NAHB Student Chapters and Workforce Development team is leading the way in fostering a diverse and inclusive industry through the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Student and Faculty Leadership program. This initiative expands opportunities for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) students and creates a space where everyone feels valued and included through leadership development seminars and networking opportunities.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
NAHB has teamed up with The Boys & Girls Clubs of America to introduce more of America’s youth to a future career in residential construction. The agreement comes as the residential construction industry continues to struggle to overcome the lack of available skilled trade workers.
Learn more about the collaboration and access the partnership toolkit.
Skills USA
NAHB has partnered with SkillsUSA, a national education nonprofit focused on workforce development. The partnership will help close the skilled labor gap and create a workforce that is essential to meet the strong demand for housing.
SkillsUSA is the national organization for students in trade, industrial, technical and health occupations education. It sponsors the SkillsUSA Championships annually to recognize the achievements of career and technical education students and to encourage them to strive for excellence and pride in their chosen occupations.
Learn more about the partnership and find a local Skills USA chapter near you.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Student and Faculty Leadership program
In 2023, NAHB Student Chapters and Workforce Development team launched its first-ever Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Student and Faculty Leadership program. The initiative aims to expand opportunities with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) students through leadership development seminars and networking opportunities throughout the year. The program will create more pathways for equitable opportunities in residential construction and increase diversity within the construction management pipeline.
Learn more about the program’s mission and goals.
Participating HBCU ’s include:
American Council for Construction Education
The primary goal of the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) is to promote and improve construction education in colleges, universities and workforce education programs. By working together through ACCE, people representative of the total construction community and the public at large, construction educators and constructors, establish and maintain standards and criteria for accreditation, guide those programs seeking to achieve accredited status, and carry out the accreditation process.
NAHB, a sustaining association member of ACCE, has the opportunity to influence the educational experience of future construction leaders as an active participant within the ACCE Board of Trustees and through numerous networking events.
The National Building Museum
NAHB has partnered with the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., to collaborate on housing industry initiatives and ramp up efforts to expand workforce development outreach.
The National Building Museum, located four blocks from the National Mall, has transformed the public’s understanding of the impact of architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, construction, planning and design. NAHB will now have a footprint in the museum’s ongoing, engaging exhibits, educational programs and special events.
NAHB members, executive officers, and HBA and NAHB staff will receive free general admission to the museum through June 30, 2025. This exclusive benefit includes access to all exhibitions and program passes. Provide your business card at the registration desk and identify as an NAHB member. Learn more.
