Inaugural Event Introduces Utah Students to Rewards of Careers in Construction
This video highlights the career exploration activities throughout SUHBA's Careers in Construction day.
The Southern Utah Home Builders Association (SUHBA) hosted its first “Build Your Future: SUHBA Careers in Construction Day” on Sept. 12. The event was designed to introduce seventh-grade students to rewarding career opportunities in the home building industry.
Attendees had the chance to engage directly with construction professionals, learn about different trades, and participate in live demonstrations. More than 40 construction industry businesses were on-site to showcase the latest tools, technologies and career pathway opportunities.
This event is important as the demand for skilled construction workers in Southern Utah continues to rise. SUHBA aims to address the labor shortage by introducing the next generation to the many career paths available in construction. The top 25% of professionals in various construction trades earn at least $60,000 annually, making it a lucrative and fulfilling career choice.
“With the median age of construction workers in Utah at 41, and over 20% of the workforce aged 55 and older, the construction industry faces a significant labor shortage,” explained Skyler Stephens, president of SUHBA. “This event is a key initiative in attracting younger generations to construction career pathways to the trades, ensuring a steady flow of skilled workers to meet the growing housing demand in the region.”
SUHBA has partnered with the Washington County School District to promote careers in construction through the Construction & Architecture pathway at Career Tech High School. Students gain hands-on experience by participating in this program, including building a home featured in the St. George Area Parade of Homes.
Looking to create your own Careers in Construction-related event? Check out the Career Connections Playbook, created by NAHB and the National Housing Endowment, to help HBAs and members start workforce development outreach efforts.
Learn more about NAHB’s Careers in Construction Month.
Latest from NAHBNow
Advocacy
Jun 10, 2026
Over 1,100 Housing Advocates Call on Congress to Address AffordabilityMore than 1,100 builders, remodelers and other housing industry professionals went to Capitol Hill today to call for congressional action to improve affordability and help builders to increase the production of affordable, attainable homes.
Codes and Standards
Jun 09, 2026
Connecticut Moves Toward 6-Year Building Code Cycle in Possible TrendConnecticut Governor Ned Lamont has signed into law a bill that lays the groundwork to expand the state’s building code adoption cycle to every six years rather than the current three years.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Jun 10, 2026
Inflation Surpassed 4% in MayInflation accelerated to a new three-year high in May, driven by continued increases in energy costs from the Iran war. Energy costs drove more than 60% of the monthly increase, with national gasoline prices jumping more than a dollar since the war began.
Economics
Jun 10, 2026
Home Building Regulatory Cost Burdens Increased 40% from 2021 to 2026A new NAHB study shows that, on average, regulations imposed by government at all levels account for $131,734, or 26.4%, of the final price of a new single-family home built for sale. Of this amount, $46,795 is due to a higher price for the finished lot, attributable to regulations imposed during the lot’s development.
Economics
Jun 09, 2026
Existing Home Sales Increased in MayExisting home sales rose to a five-month high in May as more first-time buyers stepped back into the market. The share of first-time buyer reached 35% in May, the highest since June 2020. However, sales remained weak compared to historical norms, with still-tight inventory continued to push up home prices.