Workforce Development

A skilled and capable workforce that is adequate to meet our nation’s housing demand is vital to home builders. Despite competitive pay, the home building industry continues to experience labor shortages, which impacts housing affordability.

In a 2020 survey of NAHB members, 85 percent reported that the availability and cost of workers is the most significant challenge builders will face in 2020. This translates into higher housing costs, increased home prices, difficulty completing projects on time, and lower economic growth.

NAHB is working to address the industry’s labor shortage by working with state and local home builders associations; HBI, its workforce development arm; and other partners, including career and technical education institutions. NAHB's Student Chapters program provides opportunities for high school and college students, including the prestigious NAHB Student Competition at the International Builders’ Show.

NAHB also supports and advocates for local, state and federal funds used to invest in industry-sponsored and validated programs that have been proven to be successful: HBI Job Corps and Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) programs are cost-effective means of providing skills training and job placement assistance to individuals who are unable to compete in the labor market and of supplying the construction industry with a source of well-trained and motivated workers.

Learn more about NAHB resources to support their efforts. Are you a workforce development champion? View the checklist.