Careers in
Construction
The home building industry offers more than just another job — you can find a rewarding career and earn a great salary. Most construction trades professions earn at least $60,000 annually. And you don’t need to follow the traditional college path to get there.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Career Resources for Students
HCC’s Homebuilding Academy is a partnership between: local homebuilders, home building institute, and Houston Community College. This program was developed to train next generation of builders, contractors, and entrepreneurs. Within six months students will learn carpentry, electrical, plumbing, masonry, landscaping, painting and finishing, and weatherization.
Upon completion, HCC-Career & Job Placement Services will assist you with starting a new career and finding gainful employment. In addition, students who complete training will have earned an industry recognized credential.
The Home Builders Institute — HBI — is the national leader for skilled trades training in the residential building industry.
A nonprofit organization, HBI trains young people and adults, high school students, veterans and transitioning military personnel, ex-offenders, and at-risk and displaced workers.
They gain the skills and hands-on experience they need to build careers in construction and related fields.
In partnership with Houston Community College, WorkTexas and Gallery Furniture will be offering trade classes for adults at the 6006 N. Freeway Gallery Furniture location.
Adult Trade School classes at Gallery Furniture will teach vocational skills including welding, electrical, carpentry/home building, and auto and diesel tech. Classes begin this August, and registration is now open to those who are aged 18 years or older.
Building Talent Foundation is a nonprofit organization that was established by Leading Builders of America, the 20 largest residential construction companies in the U.S., with a goal of addressing the increasing demand for skilled construction trade workers. BTF’s mission is to advance the education, training and career progression of young people and people of underrepresented groups, as skilled technical workers and as business owners in the residential construction industry. BTF connects people with paid construction education and training programs, and internships. Building Talent Foundation is the bridge that connects people with career path employment opportunities with our construction trade partners.
If you are looking for a career path to improve your financial outlook, residential construction might be for you! Houston Habitat for Humanity has created the Build Your Future On-the-Job Training Program. This 44-week program trains individuals to build and repair homes. Trainees learn valuable construction job skills such as lot maintenance, framing, construction math, minor home repair, roofing, OSHA certification and much more! All trainees are paid while they are in the Build Your Future program and as they complete assessments, their hourly wage increases. Trainees must be 18 or older.
The U.S. Doesn't Have Enough Construction Workers
The U.S. is facing a shortage of construction workers and tradespeople — and the problem will only get worse as more Baby Boomers retire. The shortfall is driven by an American education system that steers students to college and a culture that devalues careers in the trades. And if you think this doesn’t affect you, think again. As the cost of construction work goes up, everyone’s bank accounts will suffer.
In 2012, 21 percent of home builders experienced a labor shortage. 63 percent of home builders reported a shortage in 2017, and that number grew to 85 percent in 2020.
An Aging Workforce and Population Growth
For every three tradesmen who retire, there is only one skilled person entering the workforce to fill their boots. Our craft professionals – carpenters, plumbers, electricians and masons, for example – are on average 60 years old. As they retire, the home building industry needs skilled workers to take their place.
With the population of the State of Texas projected to double by 2050, Texas will need thousands of homes to house these residents. And, we need skilled professionals to build these homes.
More than Just a Job — A Profitable Career
Construction wages consistently top the national average, and have been rising year over year.
Latest Workforce News
The Vital Role of Immigrants in Homebuilding
Spring Branch ISD Adopts HBI’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program
GHBA Members Support Workforce Development
GHBA Earns Triple Honors at Association Excellence Awards
Record 22 Scholarships Awarded to Deserving Students
Supporting the Future Workforce
Hats Off, Class of ‘23! GHBA Applauds Inaugural Graduates of Professional Designation Program
GHBA Celebrates Whimsical Winners of 2023 LEGO Future Home Builder Competition
GHBA Awards 13 Scholarships to Deserving Students
