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Back to School with Future Builders of America

Empowering Students Through Industry-Recognized Construction Training

As we head into another school year, educators have an incredible opportunity to shape the future of the construction industry by equipping students with the skills and credentials needed for rewarding careers. The Home Builders Institute (HBI) offers the Future Builders of America (FBA) licensing program, designed for schools, workforce programs, and community organizations looking to implement HBI’s Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) curriculum.

🏗️ What Is Future Builders of America (FBA)?

Future Builders of America (FBA) is HBI’s licensing program for schools, workforce programs, and community organizations seeking to implement the PACT curriculum. Through FBA, partners receive access to HBI’s industry-recognized construction training materials and instructor certification, equipping youth and adults with the skills and credentials needed to pursue careers in the residential construction industry.

With FBA, educators can provide students with hands-on, real-world training while integrating career and technical education (CTE) pathways that meet workforce readiness standards.

🎓 Why Schools Choose HBI PACT

HBI’s PACT curriculum is designed to prepare students for entry-level jobs, apprenticeships, and further education in residential construction. Schools choose our PACT because it offers:

  • 75% hands-on, competency-based training – students advance by demonstrating skills, not just completing seat time.
  • Industry-recognized certifications that validate learning and workforce readiness.
  • National recognition from the U.S. Department of Labor and multiple State Departments of Education.
  • Alignment with STEM and workforce readiness standards for CTE pathways.
  • Instructor certification training – teachers receive support to confidently deliver engaging, skill-building instruction.
  • Accessibility – curriculum available in English and Spanish.

🛠️ Curriculum Overview

HBI PACT offers a modular approach that can be tailored to a school’s schedule and student population:

PACT Core (Required)

  • Safety, construction math, tools and materials, employability skills

PACT Core Green Building (Optional)

  • Sustainable building practices and energy efficiency basics

Trade-Specific Units (9)

  1. Carpentry 
  2. Electrical 
  3. Plumbing 
  4. Brick Masonry 
  5. Landscaping 
  6. Painting & Finishing 
  7. Building Construction Technology (BCT) 
  8. Weatherization 
  9. HVAC

This flexible structure allows educators to integrate PACT into middle school, high school, district, and post-secondary CTE pathways, whether in academic schedules, technical centers, or community-based education.

And we’re excited to share that we’ve implemented enhancements to CTEtechWorks®, HBI’s online learning management system—crafted directly from current PACT instructors’ feedback. These updates are designed to make your PACT Curriculum experience smoother, more engaging, and more effective. 

💡 Success Story: Instructor Perspective

See what one of our PACT Licensing Instructors had to say about their experience:

“I teach HBI PACT certifications in Core, Carpentry, and Electrical. Since starting this role last July, I’ve worked closely with HBI’s LMS and support teams, gaining valuable insights that have strengthened both student outcomes and instructor development. The curriculum’s modular, accessible format keeps students engaged and sets it apart from other platforms. Many of our students plan to continue their training at trade schools or enter the workforce, well-prepared by their PACT experience.”

— Instructional Staff Developer, Pinellas Florida County Schools

📅 October 6, 2025 – Apply for Schools to Skills Grant

As we embark on another school year, HBI remains committed to empowering students through our PACT curriculum and the Schools to Skills grant. This grant, available for secondary schools, helps expand access to industry-recognized construction training, preparing students for high-demand careers.

If you’re a secondary school educator or school administrator interested in bringing HBI PACT to your school, mark your calendars!

  • Schools to Skills grant application opens: October 6, 2025
  • Purpose: Support schools in implementing PACT and building career pathways for students

Together, we can build a brighter future for students and communities. For more information on the PACT curriculum and Schools to Skills grant, visit hbi.org/s2s or contact us directly at partnerships@hbi.org.

📚 Bring HBI PACT to Your School and Shape Future Builders

Adopt the HBI PACT curriculum to give students industry-recognized certifications and job-ready skills that open doors to rewarding careers in the construction trades.

Contact Us:

FAQs About HBI’s Future Builders of America (FBA) Program

  • 1. Who can participate in the FBA program?
    The FBA program is designed for schools, workforce programs, and community organizations. High school students cannot enroll directly; instead, educators and administrators bring the program to their students by implementing the PACT curriculum through their institution.
  • 2. What does a school gain by implementing FBA and the PACT curriculum?
    Schools receive access to HBI’s industry-recognized training materials, instructor certification, and Learning Management System (LMS). Students gain hands-on construction experience, trade-specific skills, and nationally recognized certifications that prepare them for entry-level jobs, apprenticeships, and further education in residential construction. Teachers are supported with training and resources to confidently deliver engaging, career-focused instruction.
  • 3. Is there funding available to support implementing FBA in my school?
    Yes! Educators and administrators at secondary schools can apply for the Schools to Skills grant, which helps cover program costs and supports students’ access to career-ready construction training. Applications open October 6, 2025. For more details, visit hbi.org/s2s or contact partnerships@hbi.org.

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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

BuildStrong Academy of Greater New Orleans Graduate

Zach Harris is a native New Orleans resident, two-time graduate of Tulane University and a 27-year-old construction entrepreneur. Zach comes from a family of builders and grew up around real estate and residential construction. In fact, Zach enrolled in no-cost trades training at the BuildStrong Academy of Greater New Orleans with his mother in 2022, followed by his father and two brothers in 2023.

Zach Harris - HBI Build Strong Academy New Orleans Graduate

His construction company, Zach the Builder, crafts safer New Orleans homes via reliable roofing services. “The Academy classes cater to different experience levels and different interests. I had the construction business experience but needed to understand the craft,” says Zach. “You can’t be a great coach if you haven’t played football before.”

Outside of running his company, Zach enjoys using his in-demand skill set to give back to the community. To commemorate Memorial Day 2023, Zach and other students and graduates from BSA Greater New Orleans volunteered to help build a home for a veteran in the Lower 9th Ward.

2023 MVP Class Schedule
2023 MVP Class Schedule - HVAC