NAHB CEO Tells Workforce Leaders the Industry is Hiring
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.
Latest from NAHBNow
Economics | Housing Affordability
Feb 24, 2026
Falling Mortgage Rates Make Homeownership Possible for Millions of HouseholdsThe average interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to around 6% last week, the lowest rate borrowers have seen in close to three years. Borrowers will not only enjoy lower monthly payments at that rate, but it also makes homeownership possible for millions more.
Material Costs
Feb 23, 2026
Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Tariffs – But Uncertainty PersistsThe Supreme Court on Feb. 20 ruled that President Trump’s attempts to use emergency powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) was not valid. But Trump still has wide latitude in setting tariff policy and announced a new global tariff of 15%. American consumers and businesses are unsure how any new tariffs will affect them.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Feb 24, 2026
Young Adult Headship Rates in 2024: Cyclical Slip or New Equilibrium?Reversing the post-pandemic rebound, the headship rates among young adults (the share of the population heading their own households) declined in 2024, according to NAHB’s analysis of the American Community Survey (ACS) data.
Economics
Feb 23, 2026
A 25-Basis-Point Decline in the Mortgage Rate Prices-In 1.42 Million HouseholdsHousing affordability remains a critical challenge nationwide, and mortgage rates continue to play a central role in shaping homebuying power. Although rates have declined from the recent peak of about 7.6% in 2023 to around 6.01% as of February 19,2026, they remain elevated relative to typical levels in the 2010s.
Economics
Feb 20, 2026
New Home Sales Close 2025 with Modest GainsNew home sales ended 2025 on a mixed but resilient note, signaling steady underlying demand despite ongoing affordability and supply constraints. The latest data released today (and delayed because of the government shutdown in fall of 2025) indicate that while month-to-month activity shows a small decline, sales remain stronger than a year ago, signaling that buyer interest in newly built homes has improved.