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
Material Costs | Economics
Jul 02, 2026
U.S. Sawmill Output Continues to ShrinkThe lumber industry in the United States is showing signs of tightening capacity, a trend that could have implications for home builders if demand accelerates in the future.
Regulations
Jul 01, 2026
Federal Appeals Court Upholds New York's Gas Appliance BanThe U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit yesterday upheld New York City and New York State laws that restrict the use of gas-powered and other fossil-fuel-powered appliances in new construction.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Jul 02, 2026
U.S. Economy Adds 57,000 Jobs in JuneThe U.S. labor market lost momentum in June, with total nonfarm payroll employment rising by just 57,000, the smallest gain since February’s outright decline. Downward revisions to April and May payroll estimates subtracted a combined 74,000 jobs from previously reported totals, reversing the sizable upward revisions reported a month earlier and suggesting underlying hiring momentum was weaker than initially reported.
Economics
Jul 01, 2026
Residential Construction Spending Increases in May Due to RemodelingPrivate residential construction spending rose modestly in May 2026, marking the third consecutive month of gains, albeit at a slower pace. 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 $930.2 billion in May, up 0.3% from April and up 1.8% from a year ago.
Economics
Jun 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inched Up in JuneConsumer confidence inched up in June due to improved views of business conditions and recent declines in oil prices easing inflation fears.