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Home Builders Institute

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DONATE TODAY!
CONTACT US
FOR HBI EMPLOYEES
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What Does HBI Do?

A National Solution to America’s Skilled Labor Shortage

The U.S. construction industry is short hundreds of thousands of workers – and it’s costing billions, delaying projects, and making housing less affordable.

The U.S. is facing a serious challenge – there simply aren’t enough skilled workers to meet demand. Projects are delayed, costs are rising, and thousands of jobs remain unfilled.

The Home Builders Institute (HBI) is at the center of the solution.

For more than 50 years, HBI has been changing lives and strengthening the construction workforce by providing training, education, and career pathways for individuals across the country.

An All-Hands-On Solution: Why Industry Engagement Matters

The construction labor shortage isn’t a problem one organization can solve alone.

It requires an all-hands-on approach.

For more than 50 years, the Home Builders Institute (HBI) has been training individuals for careers in the skilled trades – building a pipeline of motivated, job-ready talent across the country.  

But training is only one part of the solution.

Now, the industry must meet that pipeline.

Local builders, subcontractors, and organizations play a critical role in turning training into long-term workforce success. That means:

  • Hiring HBI graduates
  • Providing on-the-job training (OJT)
  • Mentoring and developing new talent
  • Investing time and experience into the next generation

The Problem: A Growing Skilled Labor Shortage

The numbers tell a clear story:

  • Nearly 92% of construction firms struggle to find qualified workers
  • The industry needs hundreds of thousands of new workers every year to keep up with demand
  • One in five workers is over 55, means project delays, higher costs, and fewer homes being built

This is not a temporary issue – it’s a long-term workforce gap that impacts housing affordability, infrastructure, and economic growth.

👉 Connect with the Home Builders Institute (HBI) today: https://hbi.org

  • Hire a graduate
  • Partner with a local program
  • Mentor the next generation

The talent is ready. 


The training is happening. 


Now we need you.

Labor Shortage By The Numbers: A Massive Workforce Gap

  • The industry must attract 349,000 new workers in 2026 and 456,000 in 2027 to meet demand: amtec.us.com
  • Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) estimates the industry needed 439,000 new workers in 2025 and 499,000 in 2026 due to rising construction spending and retirements: abc.org
  • There were 306,000 unfilled construction positions as of July 2025: fixr.com

Why This Matters to YOU

For employers: You need skilled workers now

For career changers: You need stable, well-paying opportunities

For communities: You need housing, infrastructure, and growth

Meet the Next Generation of the Workforce

The students coming through HBI programs are not just looking for jobs – they are looking for opportunity.

Many are between the ages of 25 – 35. They are:

  • Career changers seeking stability and growth
  • Individuals ready to build a better future for themselves and their families
  • Motivated learners who have already taken the initiative to enter training

They come to HBI because they want to learn.


They stay because they want to earn.


And they succeed because they want to grow.

But what exactly does HBI do – and why does it matter now more than ever?

HBI 101: Building the Workforce America Needs

HBI is a national nonprofit dedicated to training and preparing individuals for careers in the construction industry. Its mission is simple but powerful:

To change lives by educating, inspiring, and preparing individuals for careers in the building industry.

Here’s how HBI delivers on that mission:

1. Tuition-Free Skilled Trades Training

HBI removes one of the biggest barriers to career entry – cost.

Through tuition-free programs, students receive:

  • Hands-on training in trades like carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more
  • Industry-recognized certifications
  • Career readiness and life skills training
  • Direct job placement support

These programs are funded through sponsors, grants, and donors, making them accessible to individuals who may not otherwise have the opportunity.

👉 Learn more about training opportunities: https://hbi.org/build-a-better-future-free-construction-career-training-at-hbi-buildstrong-academies/

2. A Nationwide Training Network

HBI operates in 48 states, training tens of thousands of individuals each year through a diverse network of programs.

These programs are designed to reach the people who can help close the workforce gap:

  • Young adults through Job Corps
  • High school and college students and youth programs through Future Builders of America
  • Adults changing or improving careers through BuildStrong Academies
  • Military members and veterans transitioning to civilian careers
  • Justice-involved individuals seeking a second chance

👉 Explore student success stories: https://hbi.org/stories/

3. Industry-Recognized PACT Curriculum

HBI’s Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) program is one of only a few programs recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor.

PACT combines:

  • Technical construction skills
  • Safety and tool competency
  • Employability and life skills
  • Real-world, hands-on training

This ensures graduates are not just trained – they are job-ready from day one.

4. Strong Industry Partnerships

HBI works closely with major organizations and employers, including:

  • National Association of Home Builders
  • The Home Depot Foundation
  • U.S. Department of Labor
  • Goodwill Industries of North Florida
  • U.S. VETS

These partnerships help:

  • Align training with real workforce needs
  • Expand program funding and reach
  • Connect graduates directly to job opportunities

👉 Learn about HBI industry partnership opportunities: https://hbi.org/partners 

5. Job Placement That Delivers Results

HBI doesn’t stop at training – it focuses on outcomes.

Some programs achieve job placement rates above 90% within six months.

That means:

  • Employers get skilled, reliable workers
  • Students get immediate career opportunities
  • Communities benefit from economic growth

6. Real Impact on Communities

HBI’s work goes beyond workforce development.

Students have helped:

  • Build and renovate over 100 homes
  • Support sustainable construction through green building practices

This creates a ripple effect – stronger communities, better housing, and more economic opportunity.

Your Role in the Solution

HBI is doing its part – training and preparing the workforce.

Now we need the industry to step up and engage.

These graduates are ready to work, but like every skilled professional, they need:

  • Real jobsite experience
  • Guidance from seasoned tradespeople
  • Opportunities to prove themselves
  • Employers willing to invest in their growth

Your company can be where that journey begins.

Why HBI Matters Now More Than Ever

The construction labor shortage is not just an industry problem – it’s a national issue affecting:

  • Housing availability and affordability
  • Infrastructure development
  • Disaster recovery efforts
  • Economic growth

HBI directly addresses these challenges by:

  • Rebuilding the talent pipeline
  • Training workers at scale
  • Preparing job-ready candidates quickly
  • Connecting talent to employers nationwide

Simply put:

HBI turns opportunity into workforce – and workforce into solutions.

FAQs About HBI and the Skilled Labor Shortage

1. What is the Home Builders Institute (HBI)?

HBI is a national nonprofit that provides tuition-free training and education to prepare individuals for careers in the construction industry.

2. Who does HBI train?

HBI serves a wide range of individuals, including young adults, opportunity youth, career changers, transitioning military members, veterans, high school students, and justice-involved individuals seeking new opportunities.

3. Are HBI programs really free?

Yes. Most HBI programs are tuition-free, funded through partnerships, grants, and donations to remove financial barriers to entry.

4. What types of jobs can HBI graduates get?

Graduates can pursue careers in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, masonry, and other in-demand skilled trades.

5. How does HBI help solve the labor shortage?

HBI trains and places thousands of job-ready workers into the construction industry each year, directly increasing the supply of skilled labor where it’s needed most.

Build the Workforce. Build the Future.

The construction industry needs skilled workers – and millions of Americans need stable, well-paying careers.

HBI bridges that gap.

👉 Whether you’re looking to start a new career, hire skilled workers, or support workforce development, HBI offers a proven path forward: https://hbi.org

On The HBI Podcast: How Local HBAs Can Engage with Local HBI Programs

Support the mission. Hire the talent. Build the 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