In an exciting collaboration aimed at nurturing the next generation of home builders, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has joined forces with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. This innovative partnership seeks to provide students with invaluable insights into the world of home construction and empower them to explore potential careers in the industry. To further bolster this initiative, Ford Next Generation Learning (Ford NGL) has been tapped to offer technical expertise to guide regional and local Home Builders Associations (HBAs), their members, and Boys & Girls Clubs (BGCs) in establishing powerful partnerships that offer immersive, hands-on experiences for their youth.
Home building is a multifaceted industry that encompasses a wide range of skills and disciplines, from architectural design and construction management to carpentry and sustainable practices. However, many students may not be aware of the diverse and financially rewarding career paths available within this field. The collaboration between NAHB and Boys & Girls Clubs aims to change that by exposing young minds to the various aspects of home building in a captivating and interactive manner.
Ford NGL (known for helping to build powerful partnerships between employers and educators) is playing a pivotal role in this endeavor by offering both webinar-based and in-person training. We are also providing a toolkit and a variety of resources to help HBAs and BGCs get off to a successful start. By providing technical assistance to HBAs and BCGs, Ford NGL is equipping them with the information and guidance required to forge impactful partnerships. These partnerships will enable students to engage in immersive, real-world experiences that foster a deeper understanding of the home building industry, the careers and opportunities available, and the skills required to excel as part of it. Students gain hands-on experience in areas such as design, construction, project management, and sustainable building practices. They also have the opportunity to interact with industry professionals, gaining insights that can shape their career aspirations.
This project kicked off in 2022 with 10 HBAs and BGCs and will be expanded in 2024. In fact, there is already a waitlist for 2024 with applicants receiving $2,500 to support the launch of this initiative. In a world where the demand for skilled professionals in construction and related industries is on the rise, initiatives like this are crucial. By exposing students to the dynamic world of home building, NAHB, Boys & Girls Clubs, and Ford NGL are not only opening doors to potential careers but also fostering a pipeline of talent that can drive innovation, excellence, and greater diversity within the industry. According to Greg Zick, AVP, Workforce Development at NAHB, “Our industry members and local executives have benefitted from Ford NGL’s approach to powerful partnerships. Through this process of working with Ford NGL, we have been able to introduce students to the various careers in homebuilding and help our executives prepare their members to engage in a meaningful way with students to build their talent pipeline.”
If you would like to learn more about this project and key learnings, please see Pilot Program Assessment here – which includes Consolidated Observations, Lessons Learned, and Recommendations.
