NAHB CEO Tells Workforce Leaders the Industry is Hiring

Workforce Development
Published
Contact: Greg Zick
[email protected]
AVP, Workforce Development
(202) 266-8493

Jim tobin and workforce development expert panel on stage

L to R: Jim Tobin, Maria Flynn, Dr. Ximena Gates and Andy Hines

Shop class isn’t the only way for young people to consider a trade career. NAHB CEO Jim Tobin emphasized the residential construction industry’s willingness to mentor, train and support young people interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades during a panel discussion at the Innovating Disruption program on May 16 in Atlanta.

The discussion, held in conjunction with the Boys & Girls Club annual conference, was part of a dynamic daylong event featuring leaders from government, philanthropic and community-based organizations. The event’s goal was to deepen engagement between local clubs and partners such as NAHB for the Boys & Girls Club life and workforce readiness programs targeted to thousands of transition-age youth (ages 16-24).

The panel featured Tobin, Jobs for the Future CEO Maria Flynn and BuildWithin CEO Dr. Ximena Gates. Each speaker weighed in on the challenges taking a toll on their industry, building the talent pipeline and innovative ways they are considering the future of work in the industry. In addition, the speakers shared their vision for how their industry can impact today’s youth exploring career pathways.

“It’s not just that we need more people in the residential construction industry. We need the best people,” said Tobin. “We need smart, nimble, business-minded people and willing to fight for the American Dream.”

He encouraged club leaders nationwide to connect with their local HBA. Many HBAs are actively engaged with their local club. NAHB awarded $2,400 to 22 to HBAs this year to support career exploration activities.

Visit the Workforce Development section on nahb.org to learn more about the national partnership with the Boys & Girls Club or access resources to promote careers in construction in your community.

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Advocacy | Economics

Jul 09, 2025

Trump Extends Tariff Deadline to Aug. 1, Adds 50% Tariff to Copper

President Trump has announced he will extend the 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs that was due to end on July 9 for another three weeks until Aug. 1 and impose a 50% tariff on copper.

Economics | Multifamily

Jul 08, 2025

Multifamily Completions Climb Near a 40-Year High

Multifamily units completed reached 608,000 in 2024 — their highest level since 1986, according to NAHB analysis of the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction. Most were high-density buildings comprising 50 or more units.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Jul 09, 2025

Mortgage Applications Picked Up in June as Rates Eased

Mortgage application activity picked up in June, supported by a slight decline in interest rates. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Market Composite Index, which tracks mortgage application volume, rose 5.4% from May on a seasonally adjusted basis. Compared to June 2024, total applications were up 21.1%.

Economics

Jul 09, 2025

Who’s Still Working from Home in 2025? A Look at America’s Telework Trends

Remote work may no longer dominate the U.S. labor force as it did during the height of the pandemic in 2020, but it still represents a substantial share of employment today.

Economics

Jul 08, 2025

Top Ten Builder Share Rises Again in 2024

The top ten builders captured a record 44.7% of all new U.S. single-family home closings in 2024, up 2.4 percentage points from 2023 (42.3%).