Article by Morgan Peters, GHBA Communications Director
Encouraging our youth to pursue a career in the homebuilding industry is crucial to the future of our industry. It’s just one, but important, piece of the puzzle that keeps homeownership attainable and achievable. GHBA makes it a priority to engage, educate and include students of local trades programs whenever possible, and for the fourth year in a row, we were able to host students at the annual Homebuilding and Remodeling Expo.
We welcomed students from Texas State Technical College, Eyes on Me, Work Texas and Premiere High School, University of Houston Downtown’s NAHB Student Chapter Program and Prairie View A&M University’s NAHB Student Chapter Programs to attend the Expo and engage with local members. In the morning, GHBA members spoke to students about their own success in the homebuilding industry. A huge thank you to Adam Aschmann, GHBA president with Tilson Homes; Matthew Reibenstein, GHBA immediate past president with Story Built Homes; Sherry Pruitt, Professional Women in Building immediate past president and Remodelers Council past president with WhoDid It Designs; and Pat Wilson, Associate Council Scholarship Committee chair with Legends Architectural Stone for speaking with the group.
Adam, Matthew, Sherry and Pat shared how they became successful, how each student can stand out amongst their peers and other great career advice. For business owners like Matthew, Sherry, and Pat, they noted how a college education is just one possible path. While some hold degrees, none are working in their original fields. Instead, they’ve built rewarding, successful careers through hands-on experience in the homebuilding industry.
Following the discussion, students had the chance to walk the Expo floor and connect directly with suppliers, trade professionals, builders and remodelers. They asked questions, explored potential career paths, and saw firsthand how the different sectors of homebuilding come together to create thriving communities. Opportunities such as this offer exposure and mentorship moments that can shape the next generation of builders, tradespeople and industry leaders.
The need for skilled labor continues to be one of the most pressing challenges facing our industry today. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, framers and other trades professionals are in high demand, yet the number of new entrants into these trades has declined over the past decade. By introducing young people to these careers early, we not only fill a growing workforce gap but also open doors to stable, high-paying and deeply fulfilling careers that can’t be outsourced or replaced by automation.
Building homes starts with building people. By engaging with local schools, training programs and organizations, we hope to connect students with mentors who can inspire curiosity and help them find their footing in the industry. To get involved with workforce development at the GHBA, contact Education and Workforce Outreach Specialist Kourtney Keller at kkeller@ghba.org.