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

Advocacy

Oct 31, 2025

NAHB's Monthly Update Features Talking Points on Legislative Priorities

The update provides the latest messaging framework to help members articulate housing priorities and latest news related to the recent legislative proposals and the government shutdown.

Membership

Oct 31, 2025

HBA Staff Appreciation Week Kicks Off

From Nov. 3-7, NAHB will celebrate HBA Staff Appreciation Week, an annual event that recognizes the individuals who serve the more than 650 home builders associations that make up NAHB.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Oct 30, 2025

Which Local Markets Track National Trends the Most: 2024 Single-Family MAI

The National Association of Home Builders developed the Single-Family Market Association Index (MAI) to measure how closely single-family building permits in metro areas follow national patterns. By comparing local and national trends, the MAI helps industry leaders and forecasters better understand and predict housing market activity.

Economics

Oct 29, 2025

The Fed Cuts amid Partly Cloudy Conditions

With the government shutdown limiting the quantity of economic data available to markets and policymakers, the central bank’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) enacted a widely anticipated 25 basis point cut for the short-term federal funds rate.

Economics

Oct 28, 2025

Home Price Growth Slows

Home prices in August grew at the lowest annual rate in over two years, according to the recent release of the S&P Cotality Case-Shiller Home Price Index (seasonally adjusted – SA).