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
Membership | Advocacy | Leadership Meetings
Aug 12, 2026
Chairman's Update: What the Industry Pulse Check Told Us About Our Federation
In his August update, 2026 NAHB Chairman Bill Owens spotlights the feedback received through NAHB’s Industry Pulse Check and next steps on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act implementation.
Workforce Development | National Housing Endowment
Aug 12, 2026
New NHE-Funded Tool Maps Training Opportunities Nationwide
ConstructionSkillsMap.org, a new nationwide tool funded by the National Housing Endowment, makes it easier to find skilled trades training opportunities in communities across the country.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Aug 13, 2026
Homeownership Rate Edges Down to 65%
The latest homeownership rate declined to 65% in the second quarter of 2026, according to the Census’s Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS). The homeownership rate was unchanged from a year ago, and not statistically different than the rate in the first quarter of the year (65.3%).
Economics
Aug 11, 2026
Existing Home Sales Fall in July
Existing home sales continued to slow in July as record-high home prices and elevated mortgage rates weighed on buyers. Mortgage rates resumed an upward trend after the ceasefire ended in early July.
Economics
Aug 11, 2026
Weaker Demand for Residential Mortgages in Second Quarter
Demand for all types of residential mortgages was weaker, while lending standards for most were essentially unchanged in the second quarter of 2026, according to the recent release of the Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey (SLOOS).