How to Change the Conversation About Construction Careers
The home building industry faces a chronic labor shortage that negatively impacts housing affordability. One of the biggest challenges that prevent students from exploring a career in construction stems from long-standing stereotypes and negative perceptions, especially among parents concerned about their children and their career plans. As the primary influencers in their children’s career plans, parents play a crucial role in shaping their perceptions of the residential construction industry.
To address this issue, NAHB commissioned a study from the University of Oklahoma to explore parental perceptions of career decision-making and influences on their children. The report includes an analysis of existing empirical research on the subject and data from a survey of more than 1,000 parents of high school-aged students.
Overall, the report found that the best and most powerful agents of change in perceptions are current industry professionals who talk about careers in construction and participate in their community. Parents say that although salary and pay is important, their children are also interested in work-life balance, opportunities for advancement and job security. In addition, parents place a high value on education, so regularly providing information about training opportunities in the industry is critical.
Careers in Construction Month in October is the perfect time to consider providing a job shadowing opportunity, participating in a career day event or giving a guest lecture at a local school. NAHB has more than 150 workforce development resources, including activity guides, lesson plans and how-to guides for setting up an NAHB Student Chapter or partnership with your local Boys & Girls Club or SkillsUSA chapter.
For a complete list of Careers in Construction Month activities, including promotional information for Young Professionals Week (Oct. 21-25) and Careers in Construction Day (Oct. 25), visit the Careers in Construction Month toolkit.
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.