Home Builders Institute Reaches Over 21,000 Students
Originally Published by: Builder — April 17, 2025
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The Home Builders Institute’s (HBI) efforts to bridge the skilled labor shortage paid dividends in 2024, with the organization increasing program enrollments and certifications issued compared to 2023.
“In 2024, HBI made a profound impact, touching the lives of over 21,000 students and continuing our mission to provide pathways to rewarding careers in the skilled trades,” CEO Ed Brady said in the HBI’s 2024 Impact Report. “Our commitment to operational excellence and the long-term sustainability of our programs has never been stronger and our mission has never wavered or changed.”
Research from the HBI’s most recent Construction Labor Market Report indicates the industry needs to hire 723,000 workers per year to keep up with demand. Stretched out over the next three years, this represents a need for an additional 2.17 million adjusted net hires. Among specific trades, the HBI estimates the construction industry needs approximately 9,100 new carpenters and 8,000 electricians per year.
With no silver bullet to solving the labor shortage, the HBI’s approach spans across five core pillars: Job Corps, community and corrections, transitioning military, Future Builders of America, and the HBI BuildStrong Academies. The organization provides students with no-cost, pre-apprenticeship training and certification programs as well as job placement services. In the calendar year 2024, the HBI enrolled 21,247 students, a 13% increase compared to 2023, and helped 16,913 earn pre-apprenticeship certifications, a 6% increase on a year-over-year basis.
As part of its Impact Report, the HBI reported on the successes of each of its five focus areas:
Job Corps: The HBI has been a national training program contracted by the Department of Labor for Job Corps. The organization has 120 programs and 65 centers across 40 states with a placement rate for students post-training of between 90% and 92%. The Job Corps program has placed 32% of enrollees in apprenticeships, with the HBI on track to hit its 50% goal by 2027.
Community and Corrections: The HBI has worked with state and city municipalities to create Career Technical Education programs customized to benefit underserved and underemployed populations, including justice-involved youth and individuals re-entering society. According to the HBI, the programs have helped reduce recidivism rates, decreased crime, and increased local employment.
Military Services: As part of its military focus, the HBI provides PACT Training on 10 Military Bases and focuses on helping transitioning military personnel match to employment opportunities. In 2024, the programs experienced a 4% increase in enrollment compared to 2023. Since launching, the military services program has as industry-related placement rate of 72%.
Future Builders of America: The FBA program introduces young individuals to opportunities within the industry. The HBI has over 400 programs and 583 active instructors; in 2024, program enrollments increased 22% year-over-year and pre-apprenticeship certifications increased 6% compared to 2023.
Academies: The HBI BuildStrong Academies in Orlando, New Orleans, Houston, Phoenix, Sacramento, Charlotte, and Puerto Rico experienced a 6% increase in enrollment in 2024, a 24% increase in pre-apprenticeship certifications, and a graduate placement rate of 42%.