North Carolina Builders Boost Workforce Development Efforts
The North Carolina home building industry is taking meaningful action to increase the visibility of technical careers and training opportunities available in the state. The North Carolina Home Builders Educational and Charitable Foundation recently signed a $5 million contract with the North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDOL) to officially launch the Be Pro Be Proud workforce development pilot program. Be Pro Be Proud, which began as an initiative in Arkansas, aims to change the public’s perception of technical careers.
The goal of the program is to stimulate student, parent, and educator interest in technical professions within the construction, manufacturing, transportation, and utility industries. The program will be administered by the foundation with oversight from NCDOL. Funding is provided by the state and includes collaborations with several local government offices, community, and industry partners.
“Labor is the number one issue for our industry right now, and Be Pro Be Proud is one meaningful way for us to move the needle in the right direction,” said Tim Minton, North Carolina Home Builders Association Executive Vice President. “We are excited to play an active role in this partnership, as we know this program will put North Carolina ahead of the curve in terms of addressing the needs of the workforce.”
The program utilizes a custom-built mobile workshop trailer that is outfitted with virtual reality simulations and provides hands-on experience with skilled professionals. The mobile workshop offers a dynamic environment for middle and high school students to step into a life of a technical professional.
After touring the mobile unit, students who are interested in learning more will be connected to additional opportunities for hands-on learning and volunteering. Invitations to networking events with job and postsecondary school recruiters also will be provided. The first mobile workshop stops are tentatively scheduled for the fall 2022 school year.
Latest from NAHBNow
IBS
Jun 19, 2026
NAHB Kicks Off IBS Webinar Series Next WeekBack this year with another great lineup, the NAHB | IBS Education Webinar series offers a valuable way to continue learning from some of the industry’s most respected educators and thought leaders throughout the year.
Digital Media
Jun 19, 2026
NAHB Members Featured Among Nation’s Top 200 BuildersThe May/June 2026 issue of Pro Builder unveiled its annual Top 200 report, which ranks the leading home builders in the United States by 2025 revenue and includes insights about the top trends affecting the industry.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Jun 18, 2026
Gains for Household Real Estate AssetsThe market value of households’ real estate assets rose to a new high in the first quarter reaching $48.7 trillion, according to the most recent release of U.S. Federal Reserve Z.1 Financial Accounts. This level is 1.7% higher than in the fourth quarter and is 2.6% higher than a year ago.
Economics
Jun 17, 2026
A Laconic Statement: Hawkish Hold and New Plans from the FedWith a new Fed Chair and plans for evolving operating strategies, the Federal Reserve maintained its target policy rate at the conclusion of the June Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. For the fourth consecutive meeting, the FOMC maintained the short-term federal funds rate at a top rate of 3.75%.
Economics
Jun 16, 2026
Housing Starts Weaken in May as Multifamily Construction SlowsHousing starts fell sharply in May, driven by a steep drop in multifamily construction. Meanwhile, single-family buildings also slipped amid high interest rates, rising construction costs and ongoing labor shortages.