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Like the industry itself, building the future home-building workforce requires starting from the ground up, getting your hands dirty…and investment.
Justin Boyle understands what it takes.
“I’m pretty passionate about workforce development and getting kids exposed to our industry as a really viable option for a career,” says Boyle, co-owner of Green Valley Builders and past-president of the New River Valley Home Builders Association.
The housing shortage, paired with the promise of high-paying technology jobs, has put a crunch on tapping and training talent. “Just being on job sites and actually witnessing who is there has dramatically changed from 20 years ago,” Boyle says. “Labor is harder and harder to find. And so the pressure is on home builders to expose our youth to how really fulfilling this industry can be.”
Boyle has personally committed a $5,000 match per year for three years to the Home Builders Association of Virginia’s Education Foundation, where he will serve as chair starting in 2025.
Among its workforce-development initiatives, the HBAV Education Foundation partners with regional Virginia home building associations to provide grants to schools for projects that promote trade programs. Through the grants, school systems can apply for funding to strengthen their vocational and trade offerings, helping to meet the growing demand for skilled workers.
“HBAV plays a big part in our own efforts, because we can apply for additional money from the Education Foundation on top of all we are doing locally,” Boyle says. His association this September also hosted the “Build Her Dreams Bed Build,” where young girls and volunteers built over 40 beds and donated them to children in need. The event offered local girls an opportunity to learn about construction careers and make a tangible difference.
The work is showing results.
“I speak to high school and college classes and there’s always a couple who reach out after the fact who are curious and have questions. That to me means we are getting through,” Boyle says. Grant applications from schools to the New River Valley Home Builders Association are also picking up each year.
The HBAV’s workforce initiatives also try to counter a cultural bias that often steers young people toward technology and college degrees over trade careers. Boyle wants people to know that the bias simply isn’t true.
“Construction is cool. You can make a great living. I have friends who have had very successful careers as electricians, plumbers, and other trades,” Boyle says. “There’s a huge need for talent, and it’s essential that we continue promoting this path as a promising, fulfilling career.”
Support your regional association’s workforce development efforts. Give to the HBAV Education Foundation today.