Build Your Future: Celebrate CTE Month with HBI!

Attention future builders! It’s February, which means it’s CTE Month! That’s right, a whole month dedicated to celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE), including awesome programs like the ones offered by HBI, the Home Builders Institute.

What is CTE?

Think hands-on learning, real-world skills and careers that pay well. That’s what CTE is all about! Instead of just sitting in a classroom, you get to learn by doing, exploring trades like carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, and more. Plus, CTE programs can lead to industry certifications and college credit, giving you a head start on your career path.

Why Choose Construction?

The construction industry is booming! By 2026, there will be an estimated 1.1 million new construction jobs in the U.S. alone.  That means tons of opportunities for skilled workers like you. Construction careers offer:

  • Good pay: The median salary for construction workers is over $41,000 per year, way higher than the national average.
  • Job security: The demand for skilled workers is high, so you’ll be in demand!
  • Variety: No two days are the same in construction. You’ll get to tackle new challenges and build your skills while creating something tangible.

HBI: Your Gateway to Construction Success

At HBI, we’re passionate about helping young people like you explore careers in building and construction. We offer awesome CTE programs:

  • HBI Academies: These FREE programs provide hands-on training in various construction trades. You’ll learn from industry experts, get certified and gain the skills you need to succeed. Plus, they’re flexible, fitting into your busy schedule! Check out the different options here.
  • HBI Careers: Once you graduate from our academy, HBI Careers helps you connect with local construction employers and land your dream job! We work with leading companies to find the perfect fit for your skills and interests. Think of us as your career launchpad! Check out our Careers page here

#DYK

Did you know the construction industry is booming? There’s a huge demand for skilled workers, and salaries are competitive! Here are some facts to blow your mind:

  • Job growth: The construction industry is projected to grow 10% by 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations! That means tons of new jobs are popping up each year. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics).
  • High demand: There’s a major shortage of skilled workers in construction right now. Companies are desperate for talented individuals like you! (Source: Associated Builders and Contractors).
  • Competitive salaries: The median annual wage for construction and maintenance occupations was $49,500 in May 2022. That’s well above the national average and can lead to a comfortable lifestyle. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/)
  • Benefits galore: Many construction companies offer excellent benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. (Source: National Association of Home Builders).

Celebrate CTE Month with HBI!

Ready to build your future? Check out our website to learn more about HBI Academies and Careers, and to explore the exciting world of construction! You can also find more information about CTE Month and its impact on young people here: https://www.acteonline.org/why-cte/cte-awareness/cte-month/

Remember, your future is in your hands. Choose a path that excites you, offers stability and lets you build something incredible. Choose construction!

Bonus:

Follow us on social media (@HBInstitute) for inspiring stories, career tips and a glimpse into the world of how HBI can help you build a career in the construction industry! 

Ready to Build Your Future, Brick by Brick?

If you’re pumped about a career in construction after seeing those stats, don’t let the excitement fizzle out!  HBI is here to turn your interest into action.

Click here to get our FREE info packet on our HBI Academies, packed with details on exciting programs, training schedules, and how to get started on a career in construction for FREE!

Remember, construction isn’t just about hammers and nails. It’s about:

  • Challenging yourself with hands-on learning.
  • Being part of something bigger than yourself.
  • Building a future with incredible potential and security.

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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