Arizona Addresses Skilled Trades Shortage with New Academy
Phoenix, like many cities across the country, is facing a severe skilled labor shortage. To help turn the tide, the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona’s (HBACA) charitable arm, Home Builders Care (HBC) announced a grand opening of a Home Building Academy on Aug. 15. The new educational facility will serve as a residential construction skilled trades training center in Phoenix.
“In creating the Academy, we wanted to ensure that we removed as many obstacles to getting training and going to work in the residential construction industry as we could,” said HBC Board member Connie Wilhelm. “We want students who graduate on a Friday to be able to go to work the following Monday, that’s why we provide tools students need to go to work.”
At the Academy, students participate in a nine-week rapid worker training, resulting in industry-recognized certificates in either carpentry or electrical. The first four weeks of the training provide basic construction knowledge such as reading a tape measure, using hand and power tools, and safe work practices including an OSHA 10-hour certificate. The remaining five weeks are trade- specific training.
The Academy is tuition free for qualified students and students maintaining satisfactory academic progress will receive a weekly stipend for living expenses. In addition, successful graduates will leave with a set of tools, boots, work clothes, and personal protective equipment.
“One of the major challenges in the residential construction industry is the shortage of skilled workers,” said Brad Schoenberg, Chairman of the HBACA Board of Directors. “We are excited about growing the Academy, growing our industry, and helping individuals find well-paying careers in the residential construction industry.”
The Academy is funded primarily by a workforce development grant through Maricopa County and an industry investment through HBACA. The Academy is also supported by The Home Depot Foundation through the Home Builders Institute.
Latest from NAHBNow
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.
Economics
Jun 18, 2026
Harvard Housing Study Shows Affordability Hitting Demand for Home PurchasesWhile supply concerns are still weighing on housing affordability, a combination of soaring prices and economic uncertainty is dragging on housing demand, according to the annual State of Nation’s Housing report from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS).
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.