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

Tax Reform

Jun 17, 2025

Senate Version of Tax Bill Retains Key Housing, Business Provisions

The Senate Finance Committee on June 16 unveiled its portion of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — sweeping tax and domestic policy legislation that narrowly passed the House last month. The Senate version includes several provisions that are very positive for housing.

Economics

Jun 17, 2025

Builder Sentiment at Third Lowest Reading Since 2012

Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes was 32 in June, down two points from May, according to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today. The index has only posted a lower reading twice since 2012 – in December 2022 when it hit 31 and in April 2020 at the start of the pandemic when it plunged more than 40 points to 30.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Jun 17, 2025

Builder Sentiment at Third Lowest Reading Since 2012

In a further sign of declining builder sentiment, the use of price incentives increased sharply in June as the housing market continues to soften.

Economics

Jun 16, 2025

Permit Activity Weakens in April 2025

Housing permits continued a downhill trend for the fourth month in a row, pointing to a broader residential construction slowdown for 2025. Over the first four months of 2025, the total number of single-family permits issued year-to-date (YTD) nationwide reached 320,259.

Economics

Jun 13, 2025

Household Real Estate Asset Value Falls to Start the Year

The market value of household real estate assets fell from $48.1 trillion to $47.9 trillion in the first quarter of 2025, according to the most recent release of U.S. Federal Reserve Z.1 Financial Accounts. The value of household real estate assets declined for three consecutive quarters after peaking at $48.8 trillion in the second quarter of 2024 but remains 2.1% higher over the year.