Inaugural Event Introduces Utah Students to Rewards of Careers in Construction

Workforce Development
Published
Contact: Greg Zick
[email protected]
AVP, Workforce Development
(202) 266-8493

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.

Sponsored By:

Heartland black logo

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Membership | Professional Women in Building Council

Mar 26, 2026

Professional Women in Building: Past, Present and Future

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor the incredible women shaping the home-building industry’s past, present and future. For 70 years, the NAHB Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council has championed women’s leadership, education and innovation in construction.

Economics

Mar 26, 2026

How Old is Today's Housing Stock?

New home construction faces headwinds such as rising material costs, a persistent labor shortage, and elevated interest rates. These challenges have contributed to an insufficient supply of new construction, making the nation’s owner-occupied housing stock significantly older over time.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Mar 26, 2026

State/Local Property Tax Revenue Rises Past $210 Billion in the Fourth Quarter

Property tax revenue collected by state and local governments rose for the ninth consecutive quarter according to the Census Bureau’s quarterly summary of state and local tax revenue.

Economics

Mar 25, 2026

Age of Housing Stock by State

According to the latest data from the 2024 American Community Survey (ACS), the median age of owner-occupied homes has reached 42 years old. The age of the housing stock is an important remodeling market indicator.

Economics

Mar 24, 2026

Almost Half of the Owner-Occupied Homes Built Before 1980

Around 47% of the U.S. housing stock was built in the 1980s and earlier. The median age of owner-occupied homes climbed to 42 years old in 2024, up from 31 in 2005 according to the latest data from the American Community Survey.