Wisconsin Builders Break Ground on Workforce Center
On July 13, the Madison Area Builders Association (MABA) participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for a new facility to train the next generation of construction industry professionals. NAHB CEO Jerry Howard, Boys and Girls Club of Dane County (BGCDC) First Chair Dr. Leslie Petty and other community leaders took part in the event.
Through a partnership with BGCDC, the new McKenzie Regional Workforce Center will serve as a skilled trades learning hub for local students.
MABA member John McKenzie spearheaded the development of the center. He purchased and donated the building, which will also serve as the future home of MABA’s offices.
“These are great jobs and they’re satisfying jobs but they’re not being advocated for — they’re not being taught in schools,” said McKenzie during the ceremony. “The industry is primarily a bunch of old white men and they’re aging out…we need more women in the workforce, we need more people of color in the workforce.”
Like many areas across the country, Wisconsin is facing a critical shortage of skilled construction workers, says Chad Lawler, executive director of MABA. Carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, framing crews and welding classes will be offered at the new training center. The facility will reach up to 3,000 students who currently participate with BGCDC through after-school and weekend programs.
Elementary school students will have the opportunity to take introductory classes and middle schoolers will learn about the trades at an intermediate level. Students ages 16 and older will be invited to participate in hands-on experiences with comprehensive instruction.
“The ultimate goal is not just to introduce the students into the trades but to also teach them leadership and entrepreneur skills, as well as how to run a business,” said Lawler.
The workforce center is expected to welcome students in the fall of 2022.
Latest from NAHBNow
Sustainability and Green Building
Aug 28, 2026
NGBS: An Alternative Energy Code Compliance Option
As energy efficiency mandates are becoming more difficult and costly to meet, the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) is emerging as an attractive alternative. Alternative code compliance options - like NGBS Green - are beneficial to local jurisdictions and builders alike, as they provide compliance flexibility without compromising energy performance, and can streamline permitting processes and timelines.
Membership Recruitment and Retention
Aug 27, 2026
Fall Recruitment Competition Set to Begin Sept. 1
Builder and Associate members will work to recruit as many new members as they can by Nov. 30. Winners can earn prizes including LG laundry products and 2027 International Builders' Show perks.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Aug 28, 2026
Multifamily Absorption Rate Remains Below 50%
The percentage of new apartment units that were absorbed within three months after completion was down five percentage points in the first quarter, according to the Census Bureau’s latest release of the Survey of Market Absorption of New Multifamily Units (SOMA).
Economics
Aug 27, 2026
Small Decline for Single-Family Home Size
New single-family home size had been falling since 2015 in response to declining affordability conditions. An exception occurred in 2021, when new home size increased as interest rates reached historic lows.
Economics
Aug 26, 2026
PCE Inflation Remains Sticky
The latest report shows the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge remains sticky in July, complicating the Fed’s path to its long-term 2% target. Meanwhile, consumer spending remains resilient but is showing signs of slowing, with real consumer spending unchanged in July. Households are pulling back on spending amid persistent inflation.