Top Reasons Why Your Child Should Consider a Career in Construction
The residential construction industry is filled with talented and creative individuals who build homes that strengthen communities. Not only does a career in the industry provide a sense of personal achievement, it also provides many practical benefits, such as strong earning potential, job security and opportunities for advancement.
If you’re a parent, your children’s future is always one of your top priorities. Two major factors that influence their future are education and their eventual career, which are usually closely tied together. Acquiring knowledge and skills, and then putting them to use, is part of the process where they transition to being independent and successful adults.
As you encourage and support your child’s journey on their education and career path, it’s important to consider the full range of opportunities. February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) month, which shines a spotlight on the opportunities in the industry and recognizes the importance of the construction career pathway. CTE provides learners with the knowledge and skills they need to be prepared for college and careers. CTE gives purpose to learning by emphasizing real-world skills and practical knowledge within a selected career focus.
High Demand for CTE
- 94% of parents approve of expanding access to career and vocational programs.
- 86% of parents and students say they wish they could get more real-world knowledge and skills during school.
- 54% of business leaders do not think the educational system is teaching skills needed for the workforce.
A Variety of Jobs for Every Skill Level Are Available
Occupations such as carpenters, plumbers and HVACR technicians are in high demand. These types of jobs require individuals who have skills such as being detail-oriented and active problem solvers troubleshooting a range of challenges.
Skilled Trades Offer Individuals High Earning Potential
Individuals entering the residential construction industry have the potential to earn a great salary. The top 25% in most construction trades professions earn at least $60,000 annually. And you don’t need to follow the traditional college path to get there.
Visit the Workforce Development section for more information and resources about CTE month.
Latest from NAHBNow
May 15, 2026
NAHB, Industry Partners Address Key Permitting Reform ChallengesNAHB and industry partners responded this week to a request from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for recommendations to improve the efficiency of the Nationwide Permit program in advance of a potential future rulemaking.
May 14, 2026
NAHB Supports Amended Housing Bill Released by HouseNAHB Chairman Bill Owens issued the following statement on amended housing legislation released by the House.
Latest Economic News
May 14, 2026
Mostly Unchanged Demand, Lending Conditions for Residential Mortgages in First QuarterLending standards and demand for most types of residential mortgages were essentially in the first quarter of 2026, according to the recent release of the Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey (SLOOS). For commercial real estate (CRE) loans, lending standards for multifamily construction & development were essentially unchanged as well.
May 13, 2026
Residential Construction Input Prices Move Higher In AprilPrices rose across a host of goods and services used in residential construction. Rising energy prices were the primary driver, but transportation service prices also rose at their fastest pace since 2022. Meanwhile, building material prices, excluding energy, rose at their highest yearly rate in three years, up 3.7% from a year ago.
May 13, 2026
Delinquencies Holds Steady in First Quarter of 2026Consumer loan delinquency rates continued to normalize in the first quarter of 2026 as pandemic-related disruptions diminished and credit conditions moved closer to historical norms.