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

Membership

Feb 06, 2026

A Message from Jim Chapman, Candidate for NAHB 2026 Third Vice Chairman

The election for Third Vice Chairman will take place at the Leadership Council meeting during the 2026 International Builders' Show.

Codes and Standards

Feb 06, 2026

Learn About the 2024 IECC in Free Video Series for NAHB Members

NAHB is now offering members a free educational video series on the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code. The videos break down key differences between the 2024 IECC and past editions, focusing on changes that improve usability and what they mean for construction costs.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Feb 06, 2026

The Size of the Housing Shortage: 2024 Data

Persistently low homeowner and rental vacancy rates indicate that the U.S. housing market remains structurally undersupplied.

Economics

Feb 05, 2026

Job Openings Fall as Labor Market Weakens

Running counter to the data for the full economy, the count of open, unfilled positions in the construction industry increased in December, per the delayed Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). The current level of open jobs is down measurably from two years ago due to declines in construction activity, particularly in housing.

Economics

Feb 04, 2026

Mortgage Rates Declined Despite Higher Treasury Yields

Long-term mortgage rates continued to decline in January. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.10% last month, 9 basis points (bps) lower than December. Meanwhile, the 15-year rate declined 4 bps to 5.44%. Compared to a year ago, the 30-year rate is lower by 86 bps. The 15-year rate is also lower by 72 bps.