
We change lives by education, inspiring and preparing individuals for careers in the building industry.
Are you ready to start a career that’s hands-on, high-paying, and in demand? HBI’s BuildStrong Academies give you the tools, training, and support you need to jump-start your future in the residential construction industry — completely free of charge.
Why Choose a Career in Construction?
The United States is facing a critical shortage of skilled tradespeople, especially in the homebuilding industry. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more than 700,000 construction jobs need to be filled nationwide. That means real opportunities for motivated individuals who are ready to work hard and learn valuable skills.
Whether you’re just out of high school, switching careers, or looking for a fresh start, construction offers a path to a stable, rewarding, and well-paying career — and HBI is here to help you get there.
What Is HBI’s BuildStrong Academy?
The HBI BuildStrong Academy is a flexible, 9-week pre-apprenticeship training program offered by HBI (Home Builders Institute), the nation’s leading nonprofit in construction education. Our mission is simple: We change lives by educating, inspiring, and preparing individuals for careers in the building industry.
At BuildStrong Academies, you’ll learn essential skills for trades like carpentry and electrical work, gain industry-recognized credentials, and receive support from experienced instructors and career coaches. And the best part? It’s completely free.
HBI Academies 9 week training program offers flexibility to pause, start or restart your training at key milestones
- During week 1, we review the foundations of the industry tools, safety and basic building concepts
- Next is a 2-week core training where students learn the fundamentals to building from walls to reading blueprints
- Students in the electrical trade have 6 weeks of training focused on wiring circuitry, troubleshooting and safety
Since launching our first BuildStrong Academy in Orlando on June 14, 2021, HBI has helped thousands of students launch successful careers in construction. Through 2024, we’ve issued thousands of pre-apprenticeship certificates and connected graduates with meaningful jobs that support the industry and help solve the skilled labor shortage. This impact is made possible thanks to the generous support of our partners and donors, who help us provide tuition-free training and vital resources to every student.
Orlando • Greater New Orleans • Houston • Greater Sacramento
Charlotte • Phoenix • Puerto Rico
What You’ll Learn
HBI’s flexible training model is designed for real-world success. You’ll learn:
🔨 Residential Construction Basics: Safety, tools, and job site readiness
📐 Hands-On Trade Skills: Build walls, read blueprints, wire circuits, and troubleshoot systems
💼 Job Readiness: Resume writing, interview prep, and how to keep your job once you land it
🧑🏭 Real Work Experience: 75% of your time is spent in the shop doing hands-on work
🎓 Industry Credentials: Pre-apprenticeship certificates recognized by employers nationwide
Classes run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. You’ll complete your training in just 9 weeks — and be ready to start a real job immediately.
Why HBI?
- 50+ years of training America’s construction workforce
- Thousands of students served through BuildStrong Academies since 2021
- Flexible programs — start, pause, or restart training to fit your life
- No cost to enroll — your future is tuition-free
- Real connections to employers through job fairs and hiring events
“Name a place where you can get high-quality education and don’t have to pay a dime for it… I’ll wait. You can’t.”
So stop waiting — start building.
Your Future Starts Now
If you’re looking for a career with purpose, stability, and real earning potential, construction could be the perfect fit. At HBI’s BuildStrong Academies, we’re not just building careers — we’re changing lives.
✅ No experience needed
✅ No cost to attend
✅ No better time than now
👉 Visit hbi.org to find the BuildStrong Academy near you and enroll today.
Follow HBI on YouTube to hear real student stories and see what training is like: Watch now