Workforce

THERE IS WORK TO BE DONE

Cultivating, Educating and Recruiting Students and Veterans into the Construction Trades

Workforce development is a cornerstone of the HBA of the Great Lakes Bay Region’s mission. We actively address the labor shortage in the construction and building industries by connecting employers with qualified workers and offering training opportunities that bridge skill gaps. By collaborating with schools, apprenticeship programs, and community partners, we’re building a resilient workforce ready to meet the demands of our growing region.

Cultivate

Through Skilled to Build the HBA of the Great Lakes Bay Region seeks to develop an interest in the trades beginning at a young age. We read “Billy the Builder Bear Builds a House” to K-3 children to give them foundational knowledge of the construction trades.

Educate

In addition to highlighting the 18 different occupations within residential construction, we also offer an industry recognized and Michigan Dept. of Education approved credential that prepares individuals for a career in the skilled trades.

Recruit

The need for skilled labor is on the rise but the workforce remains depleted. By connecting skilled laborers to jobs, we can begin to build back Michigan’s construction workforce. Subscribe to Skilled To Build Michigan Foundation to receive Job Posting notifications.

Cultivating An Interest In The Building Trades Starts Young

BUILDING THE WORKFORCE OF TOMORROW, TODAY.

Skilled to Build Michigan Foundation is the nonprofit arm of the Home Builders Association of Michigan. Over the last decade, the residential construction industry has seen a tremendous decline in skilled labor. By connecting employers with skilled laborers, we can address the workforce shortage and fill these essential positions.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Annual Trades Fundraiser Supports Workforce Development in Skilled Trades

Our Annual Trades Fundraiser supports trades programs in our schools and community. In 2025 we are supporting the Midland High and Bullock Creed Trades programs. Donations and support of our fundraiser thru admissions, raffle prizes and our silent auction go towards education, scholarships, tools, hard hats and more to help the next generation of skilled tradesmen and women. We could not do this without the support of those who donate!

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (YP)

Dedicated To Growing The Next Generation of Leaders in Homebuilding

HBA Young Professionals is a community of builders, remodelers and businesspeople who are dedicated to growing the next generation of leaders in the residential construction industry. It is our mission to provide young professionals in residential construction, and supporting industries, opportunities to connect, collaborate, and develop professionally while adding value to our community.

Our vision is to create a strong community of young professionals and help them advance personally and professionally. We are here to help YPs build their careers and build the next generation of leaders in homebuilding.

Contributions are used to plan YP events around the state; send YPs to networking and educational events such as the International Builders’ Show; and fund efforts to provide additional guidance, mentoring and leadership training to our HBA members under 45.

Supporting Women in the Building Industry

Professional Women In Building

The NAHB Professional Women in Building Council is the voice of women in the building industry – dedicated to promoting industry professionalism and supporting members at the local, state, and national levels. Through education, professional development, and networking opportunities, PWB helps members acquire and develop invaluable leadership skills that boost career success.

Building The Future

Professional Women in Building is a multi-faceted Council under the National Association of Home Builders. Members of local Home Builders Association can join the PWB Council. PWB dreams of a better tomorrow, and tries to make that happen through community support and student education about the residential building trades. PWB wants to see other women succeed in life, giving them the opportunity to be influential and powerful leaders. Women Builders may be few and far between now, but with the goals and tenacity of the PWB Council, that number is rapidly growing.

Education

The NAHB Professional Women in Building Council (PWB) is committed to educating and inspiring the next generation of builders. Through outreach programs and scholarships, PWB encourages students to explore careers in skilled trades, highlighting the opportunities available in the building industry. By supporting schools, parents, and students, PWB ensures that education about residential building trades becomes a cornerstone for empowering the future workforce. Locally, HBAS PWB offers scholarships to passionate students, fostering a skilled and educated industry for years to come.

Professional Development

Professional Women in Building provides invaluable opportunities for members to grow as leaders and industry professionals. As a council under the National Association of Home Builders, PWB equips women with the tools to thrive in their careers, offering mentorship, workshops, and leadership development initiatives. By promoting professionalism and supporting women at local, state, and national levels, PWB empowers its members to achieve influential roles and drive meaningful change in the building industry.

Networking Opportunities

The Professional Women in Building Council serves as a dynamic network connecting women in the building industry. Through events, volunteer efforts, and collaborations with local charities, members create lasting professional relationships while making a positive impact in their communities. Events such as the HBAGLBR Flannel & Camo Fest not only support charitable causes but also provide a platform for members to share experiences, grow their influence, and expand their career horizons. PWB’s dedication to fostering connections ensures that its members are part of a supportive and inspiring community.

Changing Lives

HBAGLBR PWB supports an empowered future building industry, and they’re making sure schools and parents know that the trades are a fantastic opportunity for many students by offering a scholarship to any student passionate about skilled trades.

Enriching Communities

The HBA Great Lakes Bay Region’s Professional Women in Building Council chooses different charities throughout the year to work with. Aiming to empower and support women, PWB works with these charities to enrich lives through volunteering, donations, and support. Watch for the special donation request at this year’s HBAGLBR Flannel & Camo Fest.

Professional Women in Building Gallery

Girls learning how to build in classroom

CULTIVATING YOUNG MINDS

CULTIVATING BUILDERS FOR THE FUTURE

Partnering With Schools and Michigan Legislature to Make Building a House Exciting for Kids

Billy the Builder Bear Builds a House was written in the 90s by Connie Vallier, the executive officer of the Midland HBA at the time. The book was written to take kids step-by-step through the home building process. We were successful in partnering with school counselors and the Michigan Legislature who took the books into classrooms in their house or senate districts and read to students. Billy the Builder Bear Builds a House continues to be a great resource for cultivating young minds to want to explore the building industry.

Get Involved

Fill out the form below to let us know how you’d like to support the HBA: