NAHB Engages with Public Sector Leaders at Workforce Summit
Government agencies are seeking pathways to prepare the next generation for meaningful employment. On June 3, NAHB participated in the U.S. Department of Education’s “Unlocking Career Success Employer Summit” in Washington, D.C., to ensure residential construction jobs are part of the national workforce development conversation.
Unlocking Career Success is an interagency initiative with the U.S. Departments of Education, Labor and Commerce. The initiative’s goal is to invite public- and private-sector leaders, government agencies, and other community-based organizations to help students earn post-secondary degrees and industry credentials employers need and the economy demands.
Summit attendees were representatives from leading employers across key industries and other high-wage, high-demand fields, including advanced manufacturing, clean energy, infrastructure/construction, technology, entertainment and healthcare.
During the program, NAHB AVP of Workforce Development Greg Zick shared with summit leaders the real-world professional experiences that are available for students interested in the skilled trades.
“It was rewarding to participate in the summit on behalf of NAHB and share our strategic partnership efforts,” said Zick. “We must propel innovative workforce development programs forward to empower the next generation of residential construction industry professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a competitive 21st century economy.”
NAHB’s participation in the summit aligns with one of NAHB’s Strategic Plan goals, which is to elevate, attract and retain a larger residential construction workforce. This year, NAHB is not only raising its workforce development profile with public- and private-sector leaders. NAHB’s workforce development team has connected state and local associations (HBAs) with federal funding resources to support and implement career exploration programs.
This year, executive officers and member leaders have participated in several workshops hosted by NAHB and facilitated by McAllister & Quinn. The workshops, intended for associations with a 501(c)3 status, teach HBAs best practices for applying for federal grants related to job readiness. In addition, McAllister & Quinn provided a comprehensive list of upcoming federal grant opportunities for which HBAs are eligible to apply.
To learn more about NAHB’s strategic skilled trades outreach, visit the workforce development page on nahb.org.
Latest from NAHBNow
Economics
Mar 16, 2026
Builder Sentiment Inches Higher but Affordability Concerns PersistBuilder sentiment inched up in March even as builders continue to express affordability concerns stemming from elevated construction costs and shortages of buildable lots and labor.
Advocacy
Mar 14, 2026
Trump’s Executive Orders on Housing Would Ease Affordability CrisisPresident Trump on March 13 issued two executive orders on housing to remove regulatory barriers and provide better access to mortgage credit that will help ease the nation’s housing affordability crisis.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Mar 16, 2026
Builder Sentiment Inches Higher but Affordability Concerns PersistBuilder sentiment inched up in March even as builders continue to express affordability concerns stemming from elevated construction costs and shortages of buildable lots and labor.
Economics
Mar 16, 2026
Small Gains for New Single-Family Home SizeNew 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. However, as mortgage interest rates increased in 2022 and 2023 and affordability worsened, demand shifted back toward smaller homes.
Economics
Mar 13, 2026
Flat Conditions for Open Construction JobsThe number of open positions in construction in January was flat year-over-year, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). The current level of open jobs is down measurably from three years ago due to declines in construction activity, particularly in housing.