Four Ways HBAs Can Support Skilled Trades Education

Every October, NAHB and the residential construction industry celebrate Careers in Construction Month, a time to raise awareness of the rewarding opportunities available in the skilled trades. This article is part of a series highlighting the month.

Across the country, the Home Builders Institute (HBI) works alongside home builders associations (HBAs) and their foundations to bring skilled trades education to more students and connect that education to opportunities in their communities.

As Careers in Construction Month comes to a close, HBAs and their members can continue promoting the value of skilled trades careers by partnering with HBI to expand access to its award-winning Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) curriculum. This dynamic curriculum integrates performance-based learning in the building trades with vocational and academic skills training and includes life skills, career development and on-the-job training.

Here are four ways HBI and local associations can work together to bring trades education into the classroom and connect students with career opportunities.

Introducing HBI to Schools

Bringing construction education into a school requires a committed partner who can open doors, build support and help educators understand what is possible. HBAs have been essential to that effort.

In Greater Cleveland, the BIA of Northeast Ohio and its Build Trades Foundation have helped bring HBI’s curriculum and certifications into high schools, giving students hands-on exposure to construction careers.

Supporting a State Approval Application

Expanding access to HBI’s PACT curriculum often requires work beyond the classroom. State approval can be an important step in making HBI’s curriculum and industry-recognized certifications available to more schools and students.

HBI partners with HBAs to navigate the approval processes, connect with decision-makers and communicate the value of industry-supported training. Several associations have played an instrumental role in securing state approval for the curriculum including the Montana BIA, the Texas Association of Builders and the HBA of Virginia.

Advocating with Lawmakers

Advocacy provides another important opportunity for associations to expand access to skilled trades training. The North Carolina HBA’s work on state legislation to secure funding demonstrates how a strong association partnership with HBI can support workforce development. By bringing workforce needs into policy discussions, associations can help connect investments in education with the needs of students, employers and communities.

Connecting Education to Employment