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
Year-end offers on commercial trucks make this an ideal time for residential construction pros to upgrade the vehicles that keep their businesses moving. And for NAHB members, there’s even more reason to shop thanks to exclusive savings from Ram.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a mortgagee letter to announce it is revising its policy to expand access to HUD-insured Federal Housing Administration (FHA) financing for built-to-rent developments.
Latest Economic News
Diversifying the construction labor force remains a key priority amid persistent skilled labor shortages. According to NAHB analysis of the 2024 American Community Survey, non-Hispanic White workers account for the majority of the construction industry at 55.8%. Hispanic workers now represent nearly one-third of the labor force at 32.8%, followed by non-Hispanic Black workers at 5% and non-Hispanic Asian workers at 1.8 %.
The total market share of non-site-built single-family homes (modular and panelized) was just 3% of single-family homes in 2025, according to NAHB analysis of completion data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC).
Single-family housing starts declined in September as builders faced higher financing, building material costs, and ongoing labor shortages.