Education and Training
As stated in the Occupational Outlook Handbook developed by the
Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics: The U.S. population
is expected to increase by 24 million over the 2000-10 period, at a
slightly faster rate of growth than during the 1990-2000 period. . .
Continued growth will mean more consumers of goods and services,
spurring demand for workers in a wide range of occupations and
industries. . .The youth population, aged 16 to 24, will grow more
rapidly than the overall population, a turn-around that began in the
mid-1990s. As the baby boomers continue to age, the group aged 55 to
64 will increase by 11 million persons over the 2000-10 period-more
than any other group.
What does this mean to the residential construction industry that
already recognizes an extreme labor shortage? The implication is that
the residential construction industry will experience shortages at
higher levels in the 2000s than it has over the last 10 years. The
building industry is a vital sector in virtually every local and state
economy, creating jobs and generating taxes and wages. Sustained
industry growth, and a dramatic reduction in public education and
training programs that support the training structure of the industry
has led and will continue to lead to an annual national shortfall of
skilled workers.
A major focus of HBI is to create programs to maximize the number
of youth who are exposed to and knowledgeable about all aspects of the
residential construction industry. What better place for the industry
to find qualified, dedicated, career-driven next generation skilled
trades, entrepreneurial individuals and industry professionals than in
the schools?
We believe that young people deserve to have:
- High academic, analytical and life skills
- Educational, career and economic opportunities
- The opportunity to enter the workforce with a chosen career path
