How to Capitalize on the Skilled Trades Training Trend

Community colleges are noticing an uptick in enrollment in skilled trades programs as the nation emerges from the pandemic. Hands-on learning is attractive to many, along with job security and the opportunity to learn and grow in these careers. Now is the time for members and HBAs to capitalize on this momentum and continue to educate communities about the variety of rewarding career paths available in the skilled trades.

Each October, NAHB celebrates Careers in Construction month to raise awareness of the opportunities available in the construction trades. Join this national movement by hosting an event with a local school or sharing a message on social media celebrating the industry. In addition, NAHB has a variety of promotional materials available in the Careers in Construction Toolkit or gain some inspiration below:

• Proclaim October as Careers in Construction Month. Make it official — ask your governor to help raise awareness of the great careers in construction by declaring October as Careers in Construction Month.

• Join the Oct. 4 Workforce Development Champions Forum webinar. A panel of experts will provide ideas for activities that ignite industry interest and make a lasting impression on your community. Register now.

• Promote Careers in Construction Day 2022 on Oct. 10. Volunteer in a community-build project or host your own. Post a picture at your jobsite or other encouraging messages about your construction job using the hashtags #CICDAY2022 and #CareersInConstruction.

• Engage in NAHB Young Professionals Week Oct. 10-14. Use hashtags #YPWEEK22 and #NAHBYP with your social media messages and learn more about the activities happening that week.

• Celebrate Build Across America Day on Oct. 29. NAHB will provide HBAs with resources for this national workforce development program introducing children to the trades during Careers in Construction Month in October. Register to receive complimentary The House That She Built event materials.

Join NAHB on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn to share messages about careers in construction. Please use #CareersInConstruction in your social media posts.

In October and year-round, NAHB is working to address the industry’s labor shortage by working with state and local HBAs, the National Housing Endowment, the Home Builders Institute and other partners, including career and technical education institutions.