Unlock Career Pathways in Construction with an NAHB Student Chapter
As a CTE educator, you know your classroom and students best. To prepare your students for the dynamic and competitive CTE workforce, establishing an NAHB Student Chapter will enrich their educational experience and increase their exposure to the home building industry.
- Enriching Instruction. Students gain hands-on learning from local residential construction professionals.
- Career Connections. Students will build mentor and industry relationships that support immediate career opportunities after graduation.
- Access to Resources. Schools and educators with a student chapter gain immediate access to industry expertise and tools that support students navigating workforce challenges.
The NAHB Student Chapter program provides students direct exposure to the building industry. Chapters are established nationwide in high schools, trade schools, colleges and universities that offer two- or four-year programs.
NAHB Student Chapter activities are scalable, and your local home builders’ association (HBA) will dedicate time to shaping the programmatic activities that best fit the needs of your students. Your HBA can help plan and lead activities such as guest speakers, in-kind material donations, job site visits, and other skill and career-building activities. You choose what works best for your students. Learn more
Student chapters are generally founded by a student, a faculty member, or a local home builders’ association. The founder must contact NAHB, who will connect them to a local HBA. The HBA will provide guidance on establishing a chapter. Contact NAHB
Even beyond starting a Student Chapter, NAHB offers additional tools and frameworks to help you connect students to real-world career experiences and industry professionals in your community.
A helpful guide designed to support educators and industry partners in creating meaningful, real-world learning experiences for students. This playbook offers step-by-step ideas to highlight career opportunities in residential construction and strengthen school-to-industry connections.
Workforce Development Champions are individuals who actively support student success by connecting classrooms to careers. Champions can:
- Provide job shadowing opportunities
- Participate in career day events
- Guest lecture in classrooms
- Donate tools or materials to shop programs
These partnerships help bring your curriculum to life and give students a clearer path into the industry. Here are some ideas of what a workforce development champion looks like.