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.
Latest from NAHBNow
Economics
Apr 27, 2026
Housing’s ‘Silver Tsunami’ Is Coming, But It Won’t Hit Every MarketThe so-called “silver tsunami” describes the wave of millions of homes expected to hit the market as older Americans increasingly decide to sell their properties. However, industry experts are noting that this “tsunami” isn’t landing where it’s needed most.
Membership
Apr 24, 2026
Blueprint to 100: Industry Pulse Check Launches May 1Blueprint to 100 is NAHB's initiative to build an association that better meets industry needs as we approach the 100th anniversary of our founding. The Industry Pulse Check — launching Friday, May 1 — is our first step in this initiative to gain the insights we need to build an association that meets your needs.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Apr 23, 2026
The Silver Tsunami Isn’t Landing Where It’s Needed MostThe “silver tsunami” refers to the wave of housing inventory expected as older homeowners downsize or transition out of their homes. According to the latest American Community Survey, there are an estimated 61.2 million people in the U.S. aged 65 years or older, representing about 18% of the population.
Economics
Apr 22, 2026
State-Level Employment Situation: February 2026February’s labor market data point to a notable pullback in employment, with job losses concentrated across a majority of states and only modest gains elsewhere. While January showed solid momentum, February’s decline reflects emerging softness in hiring conditions, alongside uneven performance across the country.
Economics
Apr 21, 2026
Population Growth and Housing Supply Dynamics at the County Level in 2025U.S. population growth slowed notably in the latest Vintage 2025 population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, with the nation expanding by just 0.5% in 2025, roughly half the pace of the prior year. The deceleration was primarily driven by a sharp decline in net international migration (NIM), which dropped from 2.7 million to 1.3 million, while natural change remained relatively stable.