More Schools Embracing Trade Skills Education Nationwide, HBI Report Shows

The number of schools licensing trade skills education programs from the Home Builders Institute rose from 79 schools in 14 states in 2019 to 240 schools in 37 states in 2022, HBI announced.

HBI’s “School to Skills” grant initiative also funded more than $1.7 million in trade programs across 33 states in 159 schools.

“The economics of the pandemic have changed the perception of careers in construction,” stated Ed Brady, HBI president and CEO. “Educators, parents and students themselves once again are seeing how valuable trade skills can be for young people entering the workforce today.”

HBI’s Spring 2022 Construction Labor Market Report found that half of payroll workers in construction earn more than $49,070 annually, and the top 25% earn at least $75,820. The U.S. median wage, meanwhile, is $45,760, with the top 25% making at least $68,590.

The report also estimated the construction industry needs to add 740,000 skilled trade workers every year for the next three years to keep up with housing demands.

“We urgently need to introduce younger students to the trades and get them excited about construction,” Brady added. “HBI’s curriculum is aligned with STEM and offers a great alternative for students who can’t or don’t want to pursue four-year college after graduation.”