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Build a Strong Future

Celebrate Careers in Construction Month with HBI 

Every October, Careers in Construction Month shines a spotlight on the countless opportunities in the building industry. From skilled trades to management roles, the construction sector is one of the fastest-growing fields in the U.S. – and it needs the next generation of leaders, innovators, and builders.

At Home Builders Institute (HBI), we’re proud to be at the forefront of preparing youth, veterans, and career changers with the skills they need to succeed in this rewarding industry.

Why Careers in Construction Month Matters

The U.S. is facing a skilled labor shortage in construction. According to the National Association of Home Builders, more than 2.2 million new construction workers will be needed by 2027 to meet demand. This means students and jobseekers today have more opportunities than ever before to build a stable, fulfilling career.

Careers in Construction Month is not just about celebrating those already working in the trades – it’s also about inspiring young adults to explore pathways into the industry, from carpentry and electrical work to green building and project management.

In celebration of Careers in Construction Month, you can help the next generation of builders turn their dreams into reality. By donating to HBI’s Student Success Fund, you’ll provide students in your community with the resources they need to pursue rewarding careers in construction. Make a difference today » DONATE HERE

Free Training Programs That Change Lives

Through its nationwide network of training programs, HBI provides no-cost education that connects students directly to job opportunities.

  • Pre-Apprenticeship Training: Hands-on learning in construction trades, taught by certified instructors.
  • Industry Partnerships: Programs supported by organizations like The Home Depot Foundation expand access to training for military veterans, underserved communities, and high school students.
  • Job Placement Support: HBI’s career services team helps graduates connect with employers who are actively hiring.

👉 Learn more about HBI Training Programs and how you can get started today.

Construction Careers: More Than Hard Hats and Tool Belts

The construction industry isn’t one-size-fits-all. Alongside traditional trade skills, there’s increasing demand for specialists in:

  • Sustainable building & energy efficiency
  • Technology & construction management
  • Design, safety, and quality assurance

With opportunities ranging from entry-level apprenticeships to six-figure leadership roles, construction offers clear pathways for career growth and stability.

How You Can Get Involved This October

Here are some ways to celebrate Careers in Construction Month with HBI:

Careers in Construction FAQ

Q: What is Careers in Construction Month?
A: Careers in Construction Month is a national campaign held every October to raise awareness about the opportunities in the building industry. It highlights the importance of skilled trades and encourages students, veterans, and career changers to consider construction as a rewarding career path.

Q: Does HBI offer free trades training programs?
A: Yes! HBI provides tuition-free, hands-on training across the U.S. through a variety of pre-apprenticeship programs, such as high school partnerships, veteran-focused initiatives, and community and corrections programs. These programs are designed to prepare students with real-world skills without the burden of accumulating debt.

Q: Who can apply for HBI training programs?
A: HBI Academies are open to individuals aged 18 & up who are interested in starting or enhancing their career in construction. Please visit BuildStrong Academies – HBI to find an Academy near you. Our Military Services programs are available to transitioning service members, Veterans, and their families. Please visit Military – HBI to see locations. For all other questions, we encourage you to submit a contact form so that we can direct you to the right department Contact Us – HBI

Q: What kinds of careers do students pursue after HBI training?
A: Graduates can pursue careers in carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, construction management, green building, and more. HBI also provides job placement assistance to help connect graduates with employers.

Build Your Future with HBI

Careers in Construction Month is a reminder that this industry is more than jobs – it’s about building homes, communities, and futures. Whether you’re interested in being a student or want to become an employer partner or supporter, HBI can help you take the next step.👉 Ready to get started? Let’s connect! Contact Us – HBI

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As we close out the year, your support makes a real impact.

It keeps HBI’s no-cost programs accessible so students can learn proven trade skills, earn industry-recognized credentials, and step into good jobs that offer the stability they need to build a stronger future.

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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