Build a Career That Lasts and Strengthens Communities
As 2026 begins, the Home Builders Institute (HBI) is reflecting not just on new opportunities, but on measurable impact – the lives changed, careers launched, and communities strengthened through workforce development in the construction industry.
For more than 50 years, HBI has focused on one clear objective: training, credentialing, and placing individuals into meaningful construction careers that offer stability, growth, and long-term economic mobility. That mission has never been more urgent than it is today, as employers face a skilled labor shortage and communities seek resilient, job-ready talent.
At the center of this impact are HBI’s BuildStrong Academies, which provide tuition-free, hands-on pre-apprenticeship training that prepares individuals for high-demand trades such as carpentry and electrical work. Graduates leave with industry-recognized credentials, job readiness skills, and direct connections to employment – enabling them to step into careers, not just jobs.
Meeting the Moment for a Changing Workforce
The American workforce has shifted dramatically. Rising education costs, student debt, layoffs, automation, and limited upward mobility have left many people – especially those ages 25 to 35 – searching for something more sustainable.
This group includes:
- Career changers who invested time and money in paths that no longer offer growth
- Underemployed workers stuck in roles without benefits or advancement
- Veterans and adult learners transitioning into civilian or civilian-adjacent careers
HBI’s BuildStrong Academies are intentionally designed to meet these realities. Through hands-on learning, classroom instruction, and real-world experience, students gain not only technical skills, but also discipline, confidence, and job readiness that employers value.
For the construction industry, this is not a pipeline of “unproven workers.” It is a pipeline of motivated, trained, and credentialed career improvers ready to contribute on day one.
Construction careers offer exactly what today’s workforce is seeking:
- Clear career pathways
- Competitive wages and benefits
- Skills that transfer anywhere in the country
- Opportunities to specialize, advance, and lead
For employers and communities alike, investing in career changers is a forward-thinking workforce strategy, not a short-term solution.
Career Changers Creating Measurable Impact
Across BuildStrong Academy locations nationwide, graduates are translating training into stable employment and long-term growth – proving that the right training at the right moment can change trajectories.
Barrett Jones – BuildStrong Academy of Greater New Orleans
Before HBI, Barrett was working three jobs and earning just $22,000 per year. Through carpentry training and industry-aligned instruction, he transitioned into a union role earning $21 per hour, with plans to reinvest in his community and build a business of his own.
Reckita Canon – BuildStrong Academy Orlando
An entrepreneur at heart, Reckita brought business experience and vision into carpentry training. She now plans to combine her construction skills with her entrepreneurial background to support affordable housing initiatives – a direct example of workforce training driving community impact.
Taiya Cancel – BuildStrong Academy Charlotte
With experience in healthcare and customer service, Taiya entered electrical pre-apprenticeship training with professionalism, bilingual skills, and a people-first mindset. Her transition highlights how career changers bring transferable strengths that strengthen the trades.
Veterans and Career Improvers Strengthening the Workforce
HBI also plays a critical role in helping Veterans and adult learners translate discipline and experience into civilian careers.
Laura Torres – BuildStrong Academy Orlando
After six years in the U.S. Army, Laura found direction through carpentry training while pursuing a degree in Building Construction Technology. Her story reflects how structured training and wraparound support can bridge Military service and civilian success.
Adam York – BuildStrong Academy Orlando
U.S. Veteran Adam York earned certifications in Carpentry Trade, OSHA-10, Adult First Aid and CPR. He successfully met his vocational goal and began his journey as an Attractions Mechanic at Disney World.
From Training to Employment – Real Outcomes
HBI’s impact is measured not only in certificates earned, but in jobs secured and careers launched.
Eddie Amador Piña – BuildStrong Academy Sacramento
Eddie entered HBI unemployed. After completing carpentry training, he secured paid work experience that led to a full-time HVAC Technician role – demonstrating how access plus opportunity changes outcomes.
Jesus Lopez – BuildStrong Academy Sacramento
After transitioning from dental assisting to utility work, Jesus now works as a Meter Technician with strong wages and benefits. His success shows that construction training is a powerful pivot at any career stage.
Why Employer and Community Support Matters
HBI’s programs operate in key cities across the U.S., including Orlando, Greater New Orleans, Phoenix, Sacramento, Charlotte, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Maintaining this impact requires partnership and investment.
Support for BuildStrong Academies helps:
- Expand access to training and wraparound services
- Equip students with tools and safety gear
- Hire expert instructors
- Maintain safe, hands-on learning environments
- Connect graduates to meaningful employment
- Build a stronger, more sustainable construction workforce
For every dollar donated to HBI, $0.85 goes directly toward student training, ensuring contributions translate into real-world outcomes.
A New Year to Build What Matters
The start of 2026 is more than a reset – it is an opportunity to build what lasts. For employers, that means recognizing the value of career changers who bring motivation, resilience, and industry-aligned training. For partners and supporters, it means investing in proven workforce development that strengthens local economies.
HBI’s mission remains clear: build careers and change lives – one student, one career, and one community at a time.
👉 Explore HBI student success stories and see the impact in action
Supporting the Workforce of Tomorrow
If your organization is committed to closing the skilled labor gap, strengthening communities, and supporting individuals ready for meaningful careers, partnering with HBI makes a measurable difference.
Building Strong Futures Through Opportunity
A contribution to HBI’s skilled trades training is an investment in people and progress. Your support helps individuals develop in-demand construction skills while addressing critical needs such as housing, transportation, and workforce readiness. These resources enable participants to focus on building sustainable careers that strengthen communities and the construction industry alike.
From $10 to $10,000, every dollar you give helps lay the groundwork for long-term success.
Invest in Potential. Build Lasting Impact.
“Your support fuels career growth, strengthens the workforce, and creates meaningful, lasting change. Thank you for helping build opportunity.”
