2 Ways HBAs Can Support the Next Generation of Builders
As the home building industry’s labor shortage continues, it’s more important now than ever to educate the younger generation on the many exciting opportunities a career in construction can bring.
“If you have people who are entering the workforce or are taking classes that are part of this industry, we should be giving 110% of our effort to those students to keep them motivated and interested in the opportunities that are available,” said Cindy Kosloski, CEO of the Home Builders Association of Greater Lansing in Michigan.
Providing Mentorship and Guidance
Doing their part to help, members of the HBA of Greater Lansing are lending their expertise in several ways, including serving as a sounding board while the students of Michigan State University (MSU) prepare their presentations for the International Builders’ Show’s Student Competition each year.
“The students do a great job taking in the feedback because they realize they’re working with a lot of industry professionals who are there to help them,” said Kosloski.
Kosloski also brings in women from MSU to meet and be mentored by industry professionals from the HBA’s Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council, and invites all students to its monthly membership events.
Assisting with Job Searches
In South Dakota, the HBA of the Sioux Empire is frequently helping students at Mitchell Technical College and Southeast Technical College search for work during school breaks and after graduation.
“There’s a need for getting qualified people into our industry,” said Todd Anawski, government affairs and safety director for the HBA of the Sioux Empire.
If you’re looking to get more involved with a local student chapter in your area, check out the current list of student chapters and discover more about student chapter membership.
Latest from NAHBNow
Economics
May 06, 2026
Mortgage Rates, Inflation and Yields All Rise in AprilMortgage rates continued to increase in April as ceasefire negotiations remain inconclusive. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.34% in April, 16 basis points (bps) higher than March.
Workforce Development
May 05, 2026
Philadelphia BIA Member Shifts How Local Community Views the TradesFor Jordan Parisse-Ferrarini, a member of the Building Industry Association of Philadelphia, a career that began with his family’s small business and tools from a pawn shop has flourished into multiple companies, numerous advisory roles and a passion for developing the next generation of skilled trades professionals.
Latest Economic News
Economics
May 04, 2026
Mortgage Rates Climb as Inflation Rebounds and Yields RiseMortgage rates continued to increase in April as ceasefire negotiations remain inconclusive. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.34% in April, 16 basis points (bps) higher than March. The average 15-year rate also increased by 13 bps to 5.69%. Despite the recent increase, both rates remain lower than a year ago by 39 bps and 21 bps, respectively.
Economics
May 01, 2026
Student Housing Construction Investment Holds Steady in the First Quarter of 2026Private fixed investment in student dormitories edged up 0.1% in the first quarter of 2026, holding at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of $3.9 billion. This modest gain marked a third consecutive quarterly increase, despite continued pressures from elevated interest rates. However, on a year-over-year basis, investments in dorms remained almost unchanged.
Economics
Apr 30, 2026
Housing’s Share of GDP Dips Below 16% for First Time Since 2019Housing’s share of the economy was 15.9% in the first quarter of 2026, according to the latest estimates of GDP produced by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. This share is down from 16.0% in the fourth quarter and is lower than 16.5% registered just one year ago.