Builder Creates Foundation to Address Local Workforce Development Gap
Labor shortages are top of mind for the building industry and NAHB members are committed to addressing the issue. Scott Wentz, executive partner with True Homes, based in Charlotte, N.C., noticed a gap between the job opportunities within home building industry and the employment needs of the community.
In addition to his commitment to workforce development through the True Homes Foundation, Wentz spearheaded the creation of the Builders Bridge Foundation, a non-profit committed to trade education and on-the-job training for students.
Builders can and should play a role in workforce development, says Wentz. “We have to do our part…everyone can have an influence,” said Wentz during the Workforce Development Champions Forum panel discussion at the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas last month.
Builders Bridge works with dozens of trade and community partners on each of its programs. For example, its internship program connects high school students with local trade companies that can lead to full-time employment. The program launched last year with more than 20 high school students participating.
Students genuinely appreciated the on-the-job training and felt a sense of accomplishment. “I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the people that I’m with and what I learned and the experience…it’s been a great summer,” said participant Daneil Fiordalisi. Wentz says similar programs will launch in Raleigh and Greensboro, N.C. this year.
In addition to the internship program, Builders Bridge has hosted several “immersion events.” Local schools are invited to bring students to a job site to learn about different trades, such as framing, electrical and plumbing, and includes several hands-on activities. More than 300 students have attended Builders Bridge immersion events.
The non-profit also wants to reach students online through video. The organization has partnered with Purdue University to create an “Introduction to the Home Building Industry” YouTube video to boost awareness of the rewarding career paths in the trades targeted to middle and high school students. Builders Bridge hopes the video will also be shown in schools across the country.
To learn more about how the home building industry and students are working together in North Carolina view the Builders Bridge video.
Latest from NAHBNow
May 23, 2025
Florida Builders and Local Leaders Team Up to Create Lasting Affordable HousingAn innovative partnership between the HBA of West Florida and local lawmakers is offering a blueprint for how communities across the U.S. can create lasting, affordable housing.
May 23, 2025
Volatile Spring Selling Season ContinuesSales of newly built, single-family homes in April increased 10.9% to a 743,000 seasonally adjusted annual rate from a downwardly revised March number, according to newly released data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau. The pace of new home sales in April was up 3.3% compared to a year earlier.
Latest Economic News
May 26, 2025
State-Level Employment Situation: April 2025Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 40 states in April compared to the previous month, while it decreased in 10 states and the District of Columbia. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nationwide total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 177,000 in April following a gain of 185,000 jobs in March.
May 23, 2025
Volatile Spring Selling Season ContinuesThe Census estimate of new home sales posted an unexpected gain in April even as builders and consumers continue to deal with economic uncertainty, elevated interest rates and rising building material costs.
May 23, 2025
94% Multifamily Built-for-Rent ShareAccording to NAHB analysis of quarterly Census data, the count of multifamily, for-rent housing starts increased during the first quarter of 2025. For the quarter, 88,000 multifamily residences started construction. Of this total, 83,000 were built-for-rent. This was almost 11% higher than the first quarter of 2024.