The residential construction industry faces demand for skilled labor and GHBA members are responding by supporting local workforce programs to build a greater Houston.
Greater Houston Builders Association members have been busy this spring supporting local workforce programs and trades programs to ensure the industry’s future. By collaborating with organizations to adopt trades programs and donating tools to aspiring tradespeople of all ages, every effort, no matter how small or large, makes a significant impact.
In May, a group of students graduated from the Hangar Unity Center’s trade program, a GHBA Workforce Committee supported program. Located off Velasco Road in Brookshire, the Hangar Unity Center hosts an after-school program in partnership with Eyes On Me Inc. (EOM), a non-profit 501c3 that exists to mentor, disciple and serve at-risk youth and their families, called the Hangar Trade Program. It began in 2022 for the youth of Brookshire and surrounding areas, offering trade courses such as electrical, plumbing, welding and construction. The program’s initial goal was to teach students new concepts and skills, but it has evolved to also teach students teamwork, communication skills, critical thinking and leadership skills.
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Since meeting on a mission trip in Alaska in 2019, GHBA member Allen Griffin of 512 Builders and Dennis Turnispeed, director of EOM, have collaborated on improving the local community through workforce development. Over the years, Griffin has supported the center by assisting with repairs and renovations, donating a slew of construction tools and equipment and connecting EOM with the Home Builders Institute (HBI), HomeAid Houston’s WORKS program and the GHBA’s resources to develop the Hangar Trade Program. The GHBA Custom Builders Council volunteered over two Saturdays last year, working with 12 students to build a small pantry to store dry goods for their food drives.
At the graduation ceremony, Griffin and the GHBA’s CBC were recognized for their support of the center and trades program. Lowe’s PRO, another dedicated GHBA member and advocate for workforce development, also generously donated tools to the students as they embark on the next phase of their careers.
“Lowe’s PRO is committed to building a stronger community, and supporting the students at the Hangar Unity Center is a perfect reflection of that commitment,” Carlos Salazar, PRO territory sales manager, said. “By donating tools to these talented graduates, we are investing in their futures and empowering them to build their dreams. It’s not just about providing resources; it’s about fostering hope, creativity and a brighter future for everyone involved.”
Early in June, six talented individuals graduated from the WorkTexas Trade School at Gallery Furniture with carpentry certificates. The Texas Association of Builders’ (TAB) Texas Builders Foundation and GHBA members McCoy’s Building Supply and Perry Homes, generously donated essential tools to these grads to kickstart their careers.
“McCoy’s is honored to play a small part in helping the next generation of young women and men joining the work force serving the trades that shape the building industry,” McCoy’s Building Supply’s Vice President of Store Operations, Ron Van Winkle, said. “Having the right tools when starting out your career matters, and we are proud to support Work Texas.”
The generous support from McCoy’s Building Supply and Perry Homes highlights the active role that GHBA members take in supporting the future workforce. These contributions ensure that graduates are well-equipped with the necessary tools and resources to excel in their chosen trade fields.
“Perry Homes is incredibly proud to support the WorkTexas program and its graduates. By investing in these talented individuals, we are not only helping them launch successful careers but also strengthening the future of the homebuilding industry, Kathy Perry Britton, executive chair, Perry Homes said. “Congratulations to the graduates; we look forward to seeing your impact in our industry.”
GHBA members and TBF trustees, Ron Rohrbacher with Rohrbacher Residential Construction Consulting and Matthew Reibenstein with Royal Design Build, attended the graduation to deliver the donations, congratulate the graduates and welcome these skilled professionals into our industry.
Thank you to our incredible members for your charitable contributions in support of the future of our industry’s workforce! Because of your grassroots efforts, we are creating more opportunities for young men and women, all while building a greater Houston together.
If you are interested in learning more about a career in the skilled trades construction industry or if you would like to learn more about the GHBA Workforce Committee, visit www.ghba.org/careers-in-construction/.
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