HBAs in Montana, Indiana Energize Apprenticeship Programs

As the residential construction industry experiences worker shortages causing delayed construction schedules and rising home prices, HBAs across the country are increasingly prioritizing the industry’s future.

Two associations located in Montana and Indiana are are aiming to make an impact in their regions through workforce development programs for high school students.

Celebrating 50 Years of Student-Built Homes

The HBA of Billings is no stranger to workforce development initiatives. This year marks 50 years in which the HBA has partnered with the local school district to give high school students the opportunity for hands-on learning.

Each year, more than 200 students in the Student-Built Home Program prepare for their futures by building a house that is then sold to fund the following year’s project. All aspects of construction are led by HBA members and the Billings Career Center instructors to strengthen the state's workforce pipeline.

“We continue to manage and fund the program to date because we realize the importance of maintaining a steady flow of talent into our workforce each year,” said Kimberly Welzenbach, executive officer of the HBA of Billings. “Students are the primary source of future workforces.”

Students commit to the program for their final two years of high school. In the first year, they are introduced to all aspects of residential construction. During their second year, most have identified and trained in a specific trade to enter in the future.

The program equips students with a fundamental skillset if they intend to go directly into a trade after graduation. It is also a certified pre-apprenticeship program for students going into full apprenticeship programs. If continuing onto college or a trade school, the student starts with credits that can be applied to their ongoing education.

This summer, the HBA will be laying the foundation for its 50th home in preparation for the 2025-26 school year students.

Changing a Swiss model to the Hoosier version

As a solution to Indiana’s growing workforce crisis, more than 150 industry leaders spanning construction, business, government and education have formed a coalition to develop a statewide youth apprenticeship system. Inspired by Switzerland’s dual vocational education and training system, its goal is to better prepare students for success after high school.

Following the Swiss model, Indiana recently redesigned its high school graduation requirements to allow juniors and seniors to complete paid work-study programs three-to-four times per week while earning their degree.

Part of the coalition are the Indiana Builders Association (IBA) and the Indiana Construction Roundtable Foundation (ICRF), a partnership aiming to identify and develop the state’s residential construction workforce of tomorrow.

“One of the top needs I hear from IBA members is workforce development,” said Rick Wajda, executive officer of the IBA. “Where’s the next generation of suppliers, subcontractors, electricians and plumbers coming from?”

As a result, the first construction cohort is planned for 2026-27, with an initial goal to match 100 students with local home builders. Students will rotate trades – including electric, plumbing and HVAC – to explore potential career paths and gain firsthand experience before graduation.

In March, a Hoosier group from the construction industry traveled to Switzerland to observe the educational model in action. What they found were Swiss students prioritizing their futures.

“We came back convinced this would work,” Wajda said. “It will be hard, but we have to find a way to get the next generation interested.”