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Future Builders of America

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Future Builders of America Logo - HBI Building Partner

The Future Builders of America (FBA) program introduces young individuals to the opportunities within the construction industry. The Future Builders of America (FBA) is a nationally recognized program that partners with secondary schools, government agencies, and industry organizations to offer HBI’s licensed construction curriculum.

Interested in Licensing the HBI PACT Curriculum?

Reach Out to Explore Partnership Opportunities.

Apply Now

What FBA Offers

Educational Excellence: At its core, FBA integrates pre-apprenticeship certificate training (PACT) with practical, hands-on learning opportunities. This blend ensures that participants not only grasp the theoretical aspects of construction but also gain the tangible skills needed in the residential building sector.

Industry Connections: The program is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between education and industry. By partnering with local building communities and home builder associations, FBA programs can pursue many opportunities including: facilitate field trips to construction sites, introduce students to summer and post-graduation employment opportunities, and arrange for industry guest speakers to share their insights.

Nationally Recognized Curriculum: Schools across the United States have the opportunity to license FBA’s curriculum, a testament to its quality and relevance. The curriculum is one of three endorsed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, marking it as an industry-standard educational resource.

The FBA Experience

Real-World Learning: FBA’s commitment to hands-on, work-based learning experiences is evident in its partnership opportunities that offer field trips, internships, and direct employment connections. These experiences allow students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings, a critical step in solidifying their understanding and skills.

Career Pathways: Through its structured program, FBA prepares students for a variety of career outcomes post-high school. Whether it’s entering the workforce directly, pursuing further education in trade schools, or exploring apprenticeship opportunities, students are equipped with the professional skills and certifications recognized by the Department of Labor.

A Community of Support: Beyond the educational content, FBA fosters a supportive community of mentors, industry professionals, and peers. This network provides guidance, encouragement, and the collective wisdom necessary for students to navigate their way through the industry successfully.

Why FBA?

FBA is more than just a program; it’s a gateway to a rewarding career in construction. It addresses the industry’s need for a skilled workforce by preparing the next generation of builders with the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to succeed. By participating in FBA, students are not just preparing for a job; they are laying the foundation for a sustainable and prosperous career.

In summary, the Future Builders of America program by HBI is an essential initiative for young individuals looking to explore and excel in the construction industry. With its focus on education, hands-on learning, and industry connections, FBA is a pivotal step towards a successful career in residential building.

Licensing the PACT Curriculum

Today’s young students should have options beyond the four-year college track.   

That is why HBI partners with education systems and non-profit organizations across the country that want to utilize HBI’s award-winning Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) curriculum. The PACT curriculum provides trades training and education that includes industry-recognized certifications. Schools and organizations that license PACT also receive a PACT instructor guide, instructor training, certification and technical assistance, and PACT student workbook. Additionally, CTEtechworks®, our online learning management system, provides blended learning resources for students and equips instructors with exclusive tools for teaching.  

Don’t wait to provide your students with career technical education that could help them build careers and change their lives.

School Licensing
Fact Sheet
Home Depot Foundation
Partnership Spotlight: HBI/THDF/100BMOA

HBI and The Home Depot Foundation launched a strategic partnership with 100 Black Men of America, Inc. to increase skilled trades education and career opportunities for Black youth and other minorities. The partnership’s joint program, Expanding the Trades Pathway, provides high school students in Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Oakland with the foundational instruction necessary for pursuing successful careers in the skilled trades. Learn more.

Schools to Skills

The Schools to Skills Grant program is made possible through the generous support of The Home Depot Foundation and the National Housing Endowment. The two-year program provides funding to assist secondary schools in creating or enhancing their construction trades education. As recipients of the grant, schools gain access to HBI’s nationally recognized Pre-Apprenticeship Certification Training (PACT) curriculum at no cost to students.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Lillie Mendez

FBA STUDENT

Lillie Mendez, a student at Bartow High School, plans to work on the business side of the industry and become a teacher. Through HBI and the Future Builders of America program, she has gained hands-on experience in networking, public speaking, and career preparation. Presenting in Las Vegas and learning from industry leaders have given her the skills and confidence to succeed.

“HBI and FBA have given me the confidence to build my future."

Licensing Partner Locations

Interested in learning more about Future Builders of America?

Contact Partnerships@HBI.org

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Home Builders Institute (HBI) is an exempt organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

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(202) 371-0600

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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.

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