Workforce Development Partnerships Help Fuel the Talent Pipeline
The ongoing scarcity of skilled workers is one of the most significant challenges builders are facing. As a result, many state and local HBAs are partnering with community organizations to develop strategies for attracting the next generation of skilled trades professionals.
Last year, for example, NAHB launched a successful Boys and Girls Club pilot program in which several HBAs partnered with their local club to host a variety of engaging and fun career-focused programming.
To continue building the momentum into 2023, NAHB needs input from members and HBAs on the Boys and Girls program. Please take a moment to complete a short survey to help inform NAHB’s after-school community organization partnership initiatives.
In addition, NAHB is hosting a Creating Successful Partnerships with Boys and Girls Clubs webinar on Feb. 22, 2023, at 2 p.m. ET. NAHB members, executive officers and HBA staff are encouraged to join. The webinar will feature a panel of successful pilot group participants discussing best practices for building a workforce development partnership with a local Boys & Girls Club.
For information on future events or tips on being a skilled trades advocate, visit the Workforce Development Champions page.
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The monthly update provides talking points to help members stay informed with clear and consistent messages on issues affecting the residential construction industry.
NAHB leadership will gather Oct. 6-8 for the 2026 Fall Leadership Meeting in Detroit. Members and HBA staff not in attendance can view livestreams of the key meetings.
Latest Economic News
The U.S. labor market cooled in September, with nonfarm payroll employment increasing by just 29,000 as downward revisions erased most of August’s previously reported strength. The unemployment rate edged up to 4.2%, as both employment and the labor force continued to grow.
Private residential construction spending rose in August 2026 following a series of declines during the second quarter of the year. According to the latest construction spending data from the U.S. Census Bureau, private residential construction spending came in at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of $882.3 billion in August, up 1.1% from July but down 4.8% from a year ago.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing how work gets done, but its impact varies considerably across occupations. For most construction occupations, near-term exposure to AI remains relatively low.