Podcast: The Future of Construction Training Programs Without Job Corps

On the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, NAHB CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez react to the latest news on Job Corps and what it means for the home building industry.

“Job Corps, unfortunately, is firmly on the chopping block for a variety of reasons,” Tobin stated. “The Department of Labor has looked at the Job Corps program, audited the Job Corps program, and they've made a determination that the bang for the buck isn't there.”

The Home Builders Institute (HBI) — NAHB’s job training arm — is the largest contractor for Job Corps and focuses on providing job training and opportunities in the construction sector for disadvantaged teens and young adults. HBI has been asked by the Department of Labor to wind down operations by the end of June.

“Unfortunately, they think that we're spending too much money to train those kids, and that the placement rate of those kids is too small for the taxpayer dollars,” Tobin shared. “But if the Job Corps program goes away, how do we train that population?”

“We are still hopeful to use our allies on Capitol Hill to save the program and have that conversation about how do you reimagine it or reform it,” he added, with NAHB’s government affairs team working closely with HBI on ongoing discussions. “But it’s going to be an uphill battle.”

Workforce development is one of the important topics heading into NAHB’s Spring Leadership Meeting, which includes the Legislative Conference on June 11. Four legislators — Majority Whip Tom Emmer, Rep. Mike Flood, Rep. Nick Langworthy and Sen. Jackie Rosen — will address NAHB members during the legislative breakfast before members take to the Hill to speak with their senators and representatives on a number of issues impacting the home building industry, including energy codes and taxes.

NAHB’s Senior Officers have also been actively advocating on behalf of the home building industry, including a recent visit with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin.

“For us, it was a real chance to talk about home building, housing, where the industry’s going,” shared Tobin, who attended the meeting along with Chairman Buddy Hughes and First Vice Chairman Bill Owens. “We talked a lot about the Energy Star program … and how a lot of members use it — not only as a marketing tool, but it's got that government stamp of approval when it comes to energy efficiency, and it's voluntary, which is what we love.”

Tobin and Lopez also provided support to those impacted by the recent storms in Kentucky, including resources for donations and the Home Building Industry Disaster Relief Fund, and spotlighted National Homeownership Month, taking place in June.

Listen to the full episode of the podcast below and subscribe to Housing Developments through your favorite podcast provider, or watch all the episodes on YouTube.