NAHB Engages with Public Sector Leaders at Workforce Summit

Government agencies are seeking pathways to prepare the next generation for meaningful employment. On June 3, NAHB participated in the U.S. Department of Education’s “Unlocking Career Success Employer Summit” in Washington, D.C., to ensure residential construction jobs are part of the national workforce development conversation.

Unlocking Career Success is an interagency initiative with the U.S. Departments of Education, Labor and Commerce. The initiative’s goal is to invite public- and private-sector leaders, government agencies, and other community-based organizations to help students earn post-secondary degrees and industry credentials employers need and the economy demands.

Summit attendees were representatives from leading employers across key industries and other high-wage, high-demand fields, including advanced manufacturing, clean energy, infrastructure/construction, technology, entertainment and healthcare.

During the program, NAHB AVP of Workforce Development Greg Zick shared with summit leaders the real-world professional experiences that are available for students interested in the skilled trades.

“It was rewarding to participate in the summit on behalf of NAHB and share our strategic partnership efforts,” said Zick. “We must propel innovative workforce development programs forward to empower the next generation of residential construction industry professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a competitive 21st century economy.”

NAHB’s participation in the summit aligns with one of NAHB’s Strategic Plan goals, which is to elevate, attract and retain a larger residential construction workforce. This year, NAHB is not only raising its workforce development profile with public- and private-sector leaders. NAHB’s workforce development team has connected state and local associations (HBAs) with federal funding resources to support and implement career exploration programs.

This year, executive officers and member leaders have participated in several workshops hosted by NAHB and facilitated by McAllister & Quinn. The workshops, intended for associations with a 501(c)3 status, teach HBAs best practices for applying for federal grants related to job readiness. In addition, McAllister & Quinn provided a comprehensive list of upcoming federal grant opportunities for which HBAs are eligible to apply.

To learn more about NAHB’s strategic skilled trades outreach, visit the workforce development page on nahb.org.