NAHB Supports SkillsUSA and Workforce Development

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has announced support for SkillsUSA, a national education nonprofit focused on workforce development. The 2022 sponsorship will support SkillsUSA’s mission and scholarships for the national carpentry winners of the SkillsUSA Championships to further their education. The SkillsUSA Championships will be held during the National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, June 20-24, 2022.

“The NAHB is stepping up to support America’s construction future workforce,” says SkillsUSA executive director, Chelle Travis. “We are rolling up our sleeves every day to serve career and technical education and forge meaningful partnerships between education and industry that result in a better-trained workforce and, ultimately, a shrinking skills gap. We are so appreciative of NAHB’s support for our carpentry students.”

“NAHB is proud to be an official partner of SkillsUSA and to support this worthy organization that helps students succeed in the workplace,” said NAHB CEO Jerry Howard. “There has been a skilled labor shortage in our industry for some time now, and by working with SkillsUSA we can help close that gap and create a workforce that is essential to meet the strong demand for housing.”

SkillsUSA is the national organization for students in trade, industrial, technical and health occupations education. It sponsors the SkillsUSA Championships annually to recognize the achievements of career and technical education students and to encourage them to strive for excellence and pride in their chosen occupations. Working against the clock and each other, the participants prove their expertise in job skills for occupations such as carpentry, electronics, technical drafting, precision machining, medical assisting and culinary arts. There are also competitions in leadership skills, such as extemporaneous speaking and conducting meetings by parliamentary procedures.

The contests are planned by representatives of labor and management and are designed to test the skills needed for successful entry level performance in given occupational fields. Safety practices and procedures are part of each contestant’s score.

Contestants in carpentry frame walls using wood and/or steel studs, cut and install rafters, gable end overhangs, fascia board and soffit installation, install sheathing and/or exterior siding and trim. Demonstration of knowledge of stair construction is required. Contestants are judged on accuracy, ability to read and interpret blueprints, workmanship, safety and the proper use of tools, equipment and materials.