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

Workforce Development

Apr 17, 2026

9 NHE Grants Boost Residential Construction Visibility

The National Housing Endowment (NHE), NAHB's philanthropic arm, created its Homebuilding Education Leadership Program (HELP) to increase the number of qualified graduates entering the home building industry. Since 2009, HELP has invested more than $6.2 million in grants to 60 colleges and universities.

Economics

Apr 16, 2026

Iran War Adds to Economic Headwinds

A multidimensional supply shock is weakening the U.S. economy, fueled by the delayed effects of the 2025 trade wars and tariffs, elevated oil prices, and persistent policy uncertainty. NAHB Chief Economist Dr. Robert Dietz provides a high-level summary of key economic markers.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Apr 17, 2026

Count of Second Homes Declines in 2024

In 2024, the number of second homes in the U.S. was 6.2 million, accounting for 4.3% of the nation’s housing stock, according to NAHB estimates. This reflects a modest decline from 2022, when the number reached 6.5 million. This decline suggests some cooling following the pandemic-era surge in second home demand.

Economics

Apr 16, 2026

Young Adults Report More Interest in the Construction Trades: 2026 Survey

NAHB estimates the U.S. has a structural housing deficit of 1.2 million units. Among the myriad of headwinds home builders face trying to close that gap is the industry’s chronic shortage of workers in the construction trades.

Economics

Apr 15, 2026

Builder Sentiment Posts Notable Decline on Economic Uncertainty

Economic uncertainty coupled with rising building material costs and interest rates resulted in a sharp decline in builder sentiment in April as the housing market enters into the heart of the spring buying season.