Top Reasons Why Your Child Should Consider a Career in Construction

Workforce Development
Published

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.

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Legal

Mar 06, 2026

NAHB Commends Court Ruling Vacating HUD 2021 IECC Mandate

NAHB Chairman Bill Owens issued the following statement after the Eastern District Court of Texas issued its decision in a lawsuit brought by NAHB and 15 states challenging the legality of the HUD and USDA rule imposing the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code and the 2019 ASHRAE 90.1 standard on certain housing programs.

Membership

Mar 06, 2026

Bill Truex Seeks Certification as a Candidate for 2028 NAHB Third Vice Chairman

The NAHB Nominations Committee announces that Bill Truex, president, Truex Preferred Construction in Englewood, FL, has submitted his Letter of Intent to seek certification as a candidate for NAHB 2028 Third Vice Chairman.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Mar 05, 2026

Builders Identify Key Long-Term Forces Shaping Housing Demand and Industry Health

Home builders are keenly aware of the complex long-term outlook ahead for the home building industry. A recent NAHB/Wells Fargo HMI survey asked builders to assess the impact of 14 major trends and forces on the health of the industry and housing demand over the next 10 years.

Economics

Mar 05, 2026

Affordability Posts Mild Gains in Second Half of 2025 but Crisis Continues

Though new and existing homes remain largely unaffordable, the needle moved slightly in the right direction in the second half of 2025, according to the latest data from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Cost of Housing Index (CHI).

Economics

Mar 04, 2026

Mortgage Rates Dipped Below 6% in February Amid Treasury Rally

Mortgage rates continued to decline in February, dipping below 6% in the last week of February. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.05% last month, 5 basis points (bps) lower than January.