South Carolina Builders Introduce Students and their Families to the Trades

Fueling the talent pipeline is essential with a record number of job openings in the residential construction industry. To attract talent, NAHB members across the country are making inroads with students. Still, the Horry Georgetown Home Builders Association (HGHBA) located in Conway, S.C., took the introduction further by inviting parents and family members to also learn about the viable career paths available in the trades.

This spring, HGHBA hosted a meet-and-greet event at the Academy for Technology and Academics in Conway, with the goal of starting a meaningful conversation between students and their families about a career in construction.

“The HGHBA workforce development committee is working diligently to help narrow the skilled trades gap locally,” said Rose Anne O’Reilly, executive officer, HGHBA. “We are hoping we will reach our goal by hosting events like this.”

The workforce committee wanted to demonstrate to the community the variety of high-paying and rewarding career paths available in residential construction, so they assembled a team of HGHBA members from different trades and business structures. The background of members who participated in the event ranged from large corporations to small family-owned businesses established as far back as the 1950s.

“Members came with their families, husband and wife teams, and enthusiastic employees,” said O’Reilly. “It was truly our HGHBA family sharing their experiences with the families of the Academy for Technology and Academics’ students.”

To kick off the event, a guitarist played as the families gathered in the auditorium for a small presentation about the future of skilled trades careers based on demand projects and salary growth. After the presentation, the HBA provided attendees with a map, clipboard, and “punch list” of names of businesses with booths at the event. The HGHBA member would sign off on their punch list when they stopped at a table. Once students and family members completed the list, they were eligible for door prizes. The participants also received a variety of swag, played games and won prizes. The event also included a family-style cookout and parting gifts.

“Thanks to our dedicated HGHBA members, our NAHB Student Chapter members were left inspired and knowledgeable about what the future may hold if they chose a career in construction.”

Looking for ideas and resources to host your own skilled trades event? Visit NAHB’s Workforce Development Resources section.