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 | Economics
Jun 18, 2025
Podcast: Mid-Year Update on Economic Indicators and Advocacy PrioritiesOn the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, COO Paul Lopez welcomes NAHB Chief Economist Dr. Robert Dietz and Chief Advocacy Officer Ken Wingert for a mid-year check in on key economic indicators and NAHB policy priorities driving home building for the rest of 2025.
Economics
Jun 18, 2025
Sharp Drop in Multifamily Production Brings Overall Housing Starts DownOverall housing starts decreased 9.8% in May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.26 million units, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Jun 18, 2025
Sharp Drop in Multifamily Production Brings Overall Housing Starts DownA sharp decline in multifamily production pushed overall housing starts down in May, while single-family output was essentially flat due to economic and tariff uncertainty along with elevated interest rates.
Economics
Jun 17, 2025
Builder Sentiment at Third Lowest Reading Since 2012In 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 2025Housing 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.