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Washington Home Builders Foundation Construction Trades Training Academy Joins HBI’s BuildStrong Family

Local builders, students, instructors, and community partners gathered in Tacoma, Washington, to celebrate a milestone in construction workforce development: the Washington Home Builders Foundation Construction Trades Training Academy (CTTA) has officially become the BuildStrong Academy of Pierce County Powered by HBI.

The event coincided with the graduation of the fourth group of students earning their Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training (PACT) certificates at the Goodwill Milgard Work Opportunity Center. The new partnership marks a major step forward in preparing more Washington residents for rewarding, in-demand careers in construction.

A Stronger Workforce Pipeline for Washington

This change aligns the academy with the nationally recognized BuildStrong Academy network and deepens its collaboration with the Home Builders Institute (HBI) — the nation’s only provider of residential construction training and education.

“The new BuildStrong Academy of Pierce County Powered by HBI elevates our commitment to building a strong workforce pipeline here in Washington,” said Corey Condron, Chair of the Washington Home Builders Foundation. “Students will now gain nationally recognized training and certifications to help them find high-demand, high-paying careers in the skilled trades.”

The BuildStrong Academy of Pierce County is now the seventh academy in HBI’s growing national network, which spans multiple states and continues to expand access to free, hands-on training programs that prepare students for successful construction careers.

Expanding Opportunity Through Partnership

“We’re proud to welcome this latest training academy to the BuildStrong family,” said Ed Brady, HBI’s Chief Executive Officer. “The excellent training and certifications they’ve been providing have already been guided by HBI curriculum; now they have officially joined our network.”

By joining the BuildStrong network, students and graduates of the Pierce County academy gain access to nationally recognized credentials, expanded career mobility, and a direct connection to employers seeking skilled, job-ready workers.

The academy will continue offering tuition-free training, industry certifications, and hands-on learning experiences guided by HBI’s proven curriculum — a model that helps thousands of students nationwide start successful careers in residential construction.

Building the Next Generation of Builders

Founded in 2012 by the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW), the Washington Home Builders Foundation has long supported building-related education and provided academic and career opportunities for young adults interested in construction.

“Together, BIAW and HBI are helping the next generation of builders thrive,” said Al Audette, Director of the Washington Home Builders Foundation.

The new BuildStrong Academy of Pierce County Powered by HBI will build on that legacy by connecting more students to free construction training, industry-recognized credentials, and lifelong career opportunities in Washington’s growing residential construction industry.

FAQs About the BuildStrong Academy Network

HBI’s BuildStrong Academies across the U.S. train individuals for high-demand construction careers through hands-on experience, safety instruction, and employability skills development. With partnerships from coast to coast, the BuildStrong network is helping close the skilled labor gap and strengthen local communities.

1. What is the BuildStrong Academy Powered by HBI?

The BuildStrong Academy is a national network of training centers powered by the Home Builders Institute (HBI) that offers tuition-free, hands-on construction training. Each academy prepares students for real-world careers in the residential construction industry through classroom instruction, safety training, and on-the-job learning guided by HBI’s industry-recognized curriculum.

2. Who can enroll in BuildStrong Academy programs?

BuildStrong Academies are open to anyone interested in learning a skilled trade – including recent high school graduates, career changers, veterans, and individuals seeking stable, well-paid jobs in construction. No prior experience is required, and students receive free training, tools, and direct connections to local employers ready to hire qualified workers.

3. What are the benefits of joining a BuildStrong Academy?

Students gain nationally recognized HBI Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training (PACT) certification, safety credentials, and hands-on experience in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and other trades. Graduates leave job-ready, with the skills and confidence to start rewarding careers in construction — and access to a nationwide network of employers through HBI’s partnerships with home builders, contractors, and industry leaders.

Learn More About HBI BuildStrong Academy

Explore HBI’s BuildStrong Academy network and discover free construction training programs near you.
👉 Learn more about BuildStrong Academies
 👉 Read about the partnership on BIAW.com 

Start Building Your Future Today

The BuildStrong Academy of Pierce County Powered by HBI is more than a training center – it’s a gateway to lifelong opportunity. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to change careers, HBI’s tuition-free programs give you the skills, confidence, and connections to succeed in the construction industry. Join the movement that’s shaping the future of homebuilding in Washington and across America.

👉 Learn more about HBI’s BuildStrong Academies and start your path to a high-demand, high-paying career in construction today: https://hbi.org/programs/

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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