GHBA collaborates with WorkTexas on workforce initiative
Generations of skilled laborers have been the backbone of the construction industry, and no one will argue that time and circumstance have taken a toll on this invaluable pool of resources. The Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA), continues to identify programs and resources to support that will address the severe worker shortages that are delaying construction and raising housing costs throughout the nation.
The figures are staggering as per the Home Building Institute’s recently released Construction Labor Market Report that shows that to meet the nation’s housing demand, the residential construction industry will need to train and place 2.2 million new workers within the next three years.
On a local level, GHBA is collaborating with a number of workforce programs that identify at-risk and underserved students and offer them opportunities to learn a construction related vocation or trade.
In March, as part of the education process for the GHBA leadership, the GHBA board of directors met at the WorkTexas Trade School, located at Gallery Furniture on I-45.
WorkTexas’ Yazmin Guerra and Mike Feinberg gave a presentation about the program that partners with Houston Community College in offering trade classes for young adults. Courses teach vocational skills such as welding, electrical, carpentry/ home building, and auto and diesel technology for ages 18 and over.
Jim McIngvale, owner of Gallery Furniture and an awardwinning philanthropist, hired a specialized staff to ensure WorkTexas collaborates with other workforce programs such as Building Talent Foundation, Home Builders Institute (HBI), Habitat for Humanity and HomeAid WORKS, a program offered by GHBA’s charity HomeAid Houston.
The GHBA Board also toured the facility that included the “shop” areas that provide the practical training and an on-site day care.
“Collaborations like this one are helping to tackle the dramatic need we are experiencing in recruiting new employees to home building and allied industries,” said Aimee Bertrand, GHBA CEO. “In our region, the home building industry is thriving and will continue to provide profitable careers for those who want to help build our community’s future.”
The workforce coalition is also supporting efforts to recruit young workers to share experiences within the construction industry and speak to students about potential career paths. GHBA’s workforce committee is speaking to students enrolled in construction technology programs, working with other industries on school district advisory boards for technical education, and mentoring clients of social service organizations as they start their residential construction careers.
“It was a privilege as GHBA board members to have the opportunity to tour the WorkTexas Trade School at the Gallery Furniture location,” said Jennifer Keller, president of the GHBA. “It was inspiring to see the work and dedication that defines this impressive initiative, as it supports both our community and the home building industry.”
For information, visit www.ghba.org/careers-in-construction/.