How to Attract the Next Generation of Home Builders
According to the latest NAHB annual census, the median age of Builder members is 57, rising five years since the inception of the census in 2008. The aging population of trade workers is a major contributor to the labor shortfall. NAHB members continue to report that the availability and cost of workers are among the most significant challenges they face.
“The housing market remains underbuilt and requires additional labor, lots and lumber and building materials to add inventory,” NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz stated in a recent Eye on Housing post, noting a potential cooling in the construction labor market. “Attracting skilled labor will remain a key objective for construction firms in the coming years.”
So how can the home-building industry begin to attract more talent to its ranks? Three education sessions at the 2024 International Builders’ Show® (IBS), taking place Feb. 27-29 in Las Vegas, will tackle this issue.
Navigating Generational Differences: How Today’s Leaders Can Attract Tomorrow’s Talent
Tuesday, Feb. 27 | 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
LVCC - West 229
Discover how generational differences impact how individuals perceive work and their career paths, with a special focus on Millennials and Gen Z. This session will delve into conflict resolution among different age groups, building a compelling work culture that appeals to new generations, and leveraging Gen X leadership and Boomer loyalty to demonstrate pathways for career development and growth.
Unlocking Gen Z: 5 Steps to Attract, Connect & Retain the Future Workforce
Wednesday, Feb. 28 | 10:15 - 11:15 a.m.
LVCC - West 231
Understanding how to recruit and manage each generation, especially Gen Z as it enters the workforce en masse, is crucial to the growing labor issues in the home-building industry. Explore Gen Z’s distinct characteristics and mindset. Discover effective hiring methods such as the iPhone test, their preferred training methods, and how to foster a supportive workplace culture to ensure workforce longevity and success.
Finding a New Generation of Craftspeople: Looking Beyond Traditional Candidates
Wednesday, Feb. 28 | 4:15 - 4:45 p.m.
LVCC - Remodeling Central - West 212
One solution to today’s hiring challenges: looking to other groups of people generally not included in the home-building industry and those often turned off or away. Learn how and where to find this pool of non-traditional candidates, best practices to prepare your company and crews to allow them an opportunity to be field or production personnel, and strategies for making your jobsites more inclusive.
Early registration for IBS is still available. Register today to save and take advantage of these and other important education opportunities.
Latest from NAHBNow
Sponsored Content
Dec 23, 2025
The 5 Types of Builders — and the One Built to ProsperMost builders want the same things: predictable profits, less stress, and a business that doesn’t grind them down year after year.
Construction Costs | Material Costs
Dec 23, 2025
Lumber Capacity Has Peaked for 2025An annual revision to the Federal Reserve G.17 Industrial Production report shows current sawmill production levels above 2017 by 7.5%, but just 0.3% above 2023 levels.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Dec 22, 2025
State-Level Employment Situation: September 2025In September 2025, nonfarm payroll employment was largely unchanged across states on a monthly basis, with a limited number of states seeing statistically significant increases or decreases. This reflects generally stable job counts across states despite broader labor market fluctuations. The data were impacted by collection delays due to the federal government shutdown.
Economics
Dec 19, 2025
Existing Home Sales Edge Higher in NovemberExisting home sales rose for the third consecutive month in November as lower mortgage rates continued to boost home sales, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). However, the increase remained modest as mortgage rates still stayed above 6% while down from recent highs. The weakening job market also weighed on buyer activity.
Economics
Dec 18, 2025
Lumber Capacity Lower Midway Through 2025Sawmill production has remained essentially flat over the past two years, according to the Federal Reserve G.17 Industrial Production report. This most recent data release contained an annual revision, which resulted in higher estimates for both production and capacity in U.S. sawmills.