Workforce Development Champions

Be a Workforce Development Champion

Despite competitive pay, the home building industry continues to experience labor shortages, which impacts housing affordability. Now more than ever, the industry needs more workforce development champions. NAHB members and home builders associations are the best advocates for the skilled trades and there are many ways to get involved. Champions provide job shadowing opportunities at their jobsite, participate in career day events, guest lecture at local schools or donate equipment to shop classes.

If you’re interested in becoming a workforce development champion, NAHB has a list of ideas to help you get started. If you’re already a skilled trades advocate, complete the online champions checklist for an opportunity to be officially recognized by NAHB as an advocate.

Participate in an Upcoming Event

Throughout the year, NAHB’s workforce development team hosts in-person and virtual programs, events and webinars for those interested in promoting the skilled trades. Upcoming programs include:

Workforce Development Champions Forum

Wednesday, July 19, 2 p.m. ET

Zoom information coming soon.

Career fairs benefit NAHB member companies and students. In addition to jumpstarting excitement for the trades, fairs also build goodwill between the residential construction industry and the community. Join a panel of experts who will share practical planning advice and insights on maximizing promotional opportunities, securing volunteers, and getting members involved. The webinar is a must-attend session for any HBA or NAHB member looking for a workforce development-focused event with a high return on investment.

Moderator:

Mark Pursell, CEO, National Housing Endowment

Featured speakers:

• Katy Nelson, President-CEO, Topeka Area Building Association
• Marlo Asher, Operations Manager, Housing & Building Association of Colorado Springs
• Robin Wallace, Executive Officer, Greater Columbus Home Builders Association

Stay Informed

Advocates are invited to sign up for the Workforce Development Champions Corner bi-monthly e-newsletter about promoting skilled trades. The newsletter provides workforce development advocates the opportunity to access the latest resources to support careers in construction initiatives, including marketing materials, activity ideas and notifications for future opportunities to connect with peers and share best practices. Subscribe today.

Be a Mentor

Home building professionals can serve as mentors to students who are interested in the construction trades. By sharing your knowledge, experience and expertise, you can help foster the confidence and encourage the curiosity of students who want to pursue a residential construction career.

The NAHB Student Competition gives students the opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom to a real construction company by completing a management project/proposal. The competition takes place at the International Builders Show (IBS) each year, however, many schools have teams that complete the project without travelling to IBS for the competition.

The Secondary Program is the best resource for industry members to work with high school students. Mentors can work with the problem statement materials to help students complete a management project.

Create an Internship

The Student Internship Resources for NAHB members guide focuses on how home builders can engage with three different talent resources to meet these needs: secondary (high school) students in career and technical (CTE) education programs, community college students, and university students. This guide can also assist the home builder in understanding how secondary schools, colleges and universities may offer work-study student-learning opportunities and deciding which type of student resource best fits the company’s needs.