BUILD STRONG AcademIES

Free Training for High Demand Construction Jobs

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#BuildStrongAcademy

Tuition-Free Construction Training!

HBI Academies offer hands-on, industry-recognized training in the skilled trades, preparing students for rewarding careers in residential construction. Our Academy programs are available to individuals aged 18 and up who are interested in starting or enhancing their career in the construction industry. 

HBI ACADEMIES PROVIDE:

HBI Academies create a direct pipeline into the construction industry, helping to bridge the skilled labor gap while empowering students with sustainable career pathways.

ACADEMY TRADES OFFERED

Carpentry and/or Electrical (varies by location) *
*Interested students should contact their closest Academy to determine available training and class schedules.

#BuildStrongAcademy

Forget dusty textbooks and boring lectures.

Our Home Builders Institute Academies builder training programs offer:

Tuition-Free Hands-On and Blended Construction Worker Training: Our BuildStrong Academy offers tuition-free construction trades training to individuals 18 years of age or older who are preparing for a career in construction. HBI is working closely with industry partners, such as The BuildStrong Foundation, The Home Depot Foundation and the many affiliates of the National Association of Homebuilders across the country to determine the skills needed by a new generation of builders and tradespeople.

Real-World, Hands-On Training: Master the skills construction industry employers crave through immersive workshops and practical projects.

Industry-Recognized Certifications: Graduate with credentials that open doors to lucrative careers in carpentry or electrical. Work Readiness and OSHA 10 Construction Safety certifications are also available for students to earn – at NO COST!

Focused Mentors: Get personalized training and support from experienced building industry professionals every step of the way.
Guaranteed Job Placement Assistance: Career Coordinators provide you with job preparedness and placement assistance. We’ll connect you with top construction industry employers eager to hire your talent!

Select a city to learn more and enroll in HBI Academies

Select a city to learn more and enroll in HBI Academies

orlando

Train with HBI! Become a student, graduate career-ready.

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GREATER NEW ORLEANS

Hire HBI Grads! Skilled workers, job-ready from day one.

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HBi BuildStrong Academy Houston

houston

Contact us to explore partnership possibilities today.

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HBI Academies

Greater sacramento

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charlotte

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BuildStrong Academy of Phoenix

phoenix

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Puerto Rico

Contact us to explore partnership possibilities today.

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Tuition-Free Construction Training

HBI Academies are currently accepting applications for the following construction trades training in:

HBI Carpentry

Carpentry

HBI Electrical

Electrical

*Interested students should contact their closest Academy to determine available trainings and class schedules.

*Training varies by location; please contact your closets HBI Academy for details.

No prior building experience? No problem! Our construction trades programs are designed for anyone 18 years or older with a passion for building and a drive to succeed.

Explore Careers & Trades in Building.

Our Impact Since 2021

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HBI Academies Curriculums & Certifications

Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT)

HBI’s PACT program follows the same standards as top builders and even uses green building techniques. Plus, it’s one of the best in the country, recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Blended Learning (CTEtechWorks®)

Our combination of online and hands-on construction worker  trades training is ideal for students who don’t want a traditional classroom program.

HBI Academies Curriculums & Certifications

Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT)

HBI’s PACT program follows the same standards as top builders and even uses green building techniques. Plus, it’s one of the best in the country, recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Blended Learning (CTEtechWorks®)

Our combination of online and hands-on construction worker  trades training is ideal for students who don’t want a traditional classroom program.

Why choose HBI Academies?

Interested In Supporting An Academy Or Becoming A Hiring Partner?

Would You Like To Mentor Students As They Prepare For Their New Construction Careers?

HBI’s mission is to address the workforce shortage in the construction industry and not only offers free training but also actively supports individuals in building sustainable careers in construction, making it a standout option for prospective construction.

Academies utilize local contractors and business partners who volunteer their time presenting to students on a variety of topics, such as: employment opportunities, financial literacy, stress management, professional communication, business best practices, and so many more! There are no fees associated with being an employer partner. We have graduates ready to join your team!

Mitek and HBI partnership

Ready to build your future?
Get more information and enroll today. Don't wait, spots fill up fast!

Here’s what awaits you at HBI Academies: 

Join the HBI Academies family and build your future in construction! We’ll provide the tools, the training and the support you need to succeed – at no cost to you! Enroll today to secure your future. 

Share this with your friends who might be interested in a career in construction! Let’s build a brighter future together!

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Tiffany Devezin

BuildStrong Graduate

A May 2024 graduate of HBI’s BuildStrong Academy of Greater New Orleans, Tiffany discovered her passion for carpentry through an unexpected source—her mom! “I learned about the program from my mom. She knew that I was in a place of transition and was looking for a way to expand my ‘tool belt,’ so she began to do some research and found BuildStrong through a Facebook post.” Before joining HBI, Tiffany worked as a subcontractor but wanted to do more, learn more, and build a lasting career in construction. Through HBI’s program, she gained hands-on training, industry knowledge, and the confidence to step into a rewarding trade. Her story reflects the reality many women face—the desire to enter skilled trades but not knowing where to start. With support from her family and the right training through HBI, Tiffany is now on a path to success in carpentry, a field that welcomes skilled professionals eager to make an impact. 

Licensing Partner Locations

Remember, a strong future is built on a solid foundation.

Contacts Us

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MARIO GONZALEZ
Vice President of Workforce Training & Employment
Mario joined HBI as a Regional Career Development Coordinator of HBI’s Military Services in 2019 and was promoted to Associate Vice President of WTE Community & Corrections Programs in 2022.
 
Now serving as Vice president of WTE (2024), he oversees the daily operations of HBI’s WTE Community & Corrections, Military Services, & Academies programs, working with partners to advance HBI’s expansion and enhance job placement opportunities for graduates. Mario serves as the liaison between HBI and external stakeholders to include military installations. He ensures successful outcomes for HBI graduates from transitioning service members & veterans to justice involved adults & youths. Internally, he provides strategic operational perspective to HBI’s senior leadership team.
 
Prior to joining HBI, Mario served for 21 years in the U.S. Army across multiple locations globally & nationally and has an MBA from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN.
 
Mario resides in Tennessee with his wife and children and spends time in Texas where his mother, adult children, and grandchildren reside. He enjoys the outdoors and serving in his community. 
JOSEPH F. LANDERS
Executive Officer of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Massachusetts

Joseph F. Landers, 71, is the Executive Officer of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Massachusetts having assumed that role in 2018 with a mandate from the Board of Directors to harmonize the five MA local associations, increase communications from the state to the membership, increase the public profile of the association, create a path to financial stability and elevate the states lobbying efforts. Prior to taking on the challenging state association role, Joe was Chief Executive Officer and founder of Customized Structures Inc., a custom manufacturer of single-family, multi-family and commercial modular and panelized structures which began operations in 1984. Joe has been involved in the building industry, both site-built and factory-built, since 1973 and has worked in all phases of construction from development through design and production including on site management and sales. Customized Structures produced on average 330 single family homes per year, had an employee base as high as 180 and was known as the innovator in the production and design of modular components.

 

After the sale of Customized Structures Inc. to a private equity firm in 2003 Joe remained on the Board of Directors of the Company and functioned as a consultant to the CEO. He further took on the role of helping failing building systems companies return to profitability and successfully oversaw the sale of those companies. Mr. Landers has lectured frequently on the benefits and utilization of systems-built construction to building professionals around the country and has utilized his substantial professional and industry background to provide consultation services to both national and foreign companies interested in the processes and pitfalls of building and developing utilizing building systems components.

Joe attended Northeastern University and St. Anselm’s College graduating with a B.S. in 1972. 

Joe has been a member of the National Association of Home Builders since 1974. He is past president of two local Home Builders Associations and has served two terms as President of the  State of NH Home Builders Association. Joe is also a past president of the Modular Building  Systems Council of the NAHB, has been Chairman of the National Building Systems Council (BSC)  and has served five terms as a Trustee of the BSC during which time he created the BSC logo and  wrote the brochure “Most Frequently Asked Questions about Modular Homes”. 

In 1989, Joe received the National Pacesetter Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership  and contribution to the housing industry and in 1991 was awarded the title of Builder of the Year  by the Home Builders Association of N.H. In 1992 he was appointed by the Governor to the NH  Board of Fire Control within the Department of Safety and since then was reappointed three times.  He has served as a member on the State of New Hampshire Building Code Review Board and was  appointed by the Governor of NH to the Shore Land Protection Commission. Joe was selected to  receive the 2000 S. A. Walters Chairman’s Award, the premier award in the U.S. Systems Built  Housing Industry and was installed to the New Hampshire Housing Hall of Fame for his significant  and lasting contributions to the housing industry in the State of New Hampshire.  

Joe is a Senior Life Director of the National Association of Home Builders; he is served six terms on the NAHB Budget & Finance Committee serving as Vice Chair for four of those years, he has served  as Chairman of the Resolutions Committee, the International Housing Committee and the Building  Products Issues Committee of NAHB serving on the NAHB Executive Committee multiple times. 

In 2001 Joe was elected an Area Vice President of the National Association of Home Builders  representing builders through out the northeast. 

Joe is active in his community having served as finance chairmen of his church, is a member of the  International Order of Odd Fellows, and has served on multiple boards and committees on a  volunteer basis.  

Joe and his wife, Denise, reside in Plymouth, MA, they have two children, Jessica and Brad and two  grandchildren, Lily and Jack ages 13 and 11.

Seth Appleton
President of U.S. Mortgage Insurers

The Honorable Seth Appleton is President of U.S. Mortgage Insurers. In this role, he leads USMI’s efforts to enable sustainable access to affordable mortgage credit for borrowers while protecting taxpayers. Seth previously served as President of MISMO, the real estate finance industry’s standards organization. Prior to that, Seth served as the Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD),
a position for which he was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate. In addition to his service as Assistant Secretary, Seth concurrently served as the Principal Executive Vice President of Ginnie Mae, a government corporation guaranteeing the timely payment of
principal and interest on more than $2 trillion in mortgage-backed securities.


Before joining HUD, Seth worked on Capitol Hill, including serving as Chief of Staff for U.S. Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer for more than eight years. A native of Missouri, Seth is a graduate of Stanford University and is a co-chair of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Housing Council.

Zach Harris Story Card - HBI Build Strong Academy New Orleans Graduate