The Home Builders Association of Metro Denver (HBA), through their Labor Shortage Task Force and Trades Council, announced today the HBA Construction Skill Development Initiative to train the next generation of Colorado’s residential construction workers. 

The construction industry has struggled with a substantial labor shortage for the last few years, delaying building projects across the state.  This initiative addresses the growing concern many HBA members have regarding vacancies in their current and future work force. Through a partnership with Colorado Construction Institute (CCI), the HBA is focusing efforts on two fronts; the needs of today’s workforce and developing the workforce of tomorrow. 

“This initiative addresses the immediate and long-term issues of the labor shortage by offering education and hands-on training for individuals seeking opportunities in the construction industry,” said Michael Smith, Executive Director of CCI. “Through various basic skills trainings, trade-specific skills modules, apprenticeship programs and partnerships with local high schools, this initiative has unlimited potential to positively impact our industry for years to come.”

The Workforce of Today program focuses on preparing adults 21 and older to enter the construction industry through a number of stackable training courses. Designed to instill the basic skills needed for entry-level construction jobs, the initial four-week construction boot camp targets the underemployed and unemployed, with a specific focus on training Veterans. In addition to these pre-apprentice courses, the HBA is offering advanced curriculum for field workers in semi-skilled positions supported by ‘On-the-Job Training’ to reinforce skills.  The final component of this program will offer several apprenticeships to further train and educate construction workers. 

The Workforce of Tomorrow program works in collaboration with local high schools. The HBA is currently partnering with Endeavor Academy in Centennial to bring residential construction training into the high school curriculum and provide career options for graduating seniors.  In addition, the HBA has partnered with CCI’s Denver YouthBuild, which enrolls high school drop-outs ages 17-24 in a 9-12 month construction training program. YouthBuild students work towards their high school diploma and industry-recognized pre-apprentice certifications in order to graduate prepared for long-term careers in construction.

HBA has committed grant monies to develop the initiative; however, leveraged workforce development funding from public entities and contributions from builder members and trade partners provides for free training for eligible candidates. Additionally, HBA members can support the initiative through material donations, direct financial contributions, guest-speaking about industry opportunities, and hosting field trips. 

To learn more about the HBA Construction Skills Development Initiative, please contact Michael Smith at Michael.Smith@CCIDenver.org or call 303-241-9220.

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About the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver (HBA)

The HBA is a trade association representing businesses involved in the residential development, construction and remodeling industry in the eight-county Denver metro region. Members include home builders, land developers, remodelers, architects, mortgage lenders, building material suppliers and subcontractors.

Founded in 1942, the HBA is one of 700 local home builder associations in the United States. The HBA is also affiliated with the Colorado Association of Home Builders (CAHB) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), which represents more than 150,000 member firms in the United States.

For more information, call 303-778-1400 or visit www.hbadenver.com. 

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