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Finding new ways to recruit workers into the home building industry can fulfill two needs: more skilled workers and more diversification. As some conventional recruiting methods have halted due to the pandemic and current demand surpasses these method’s capabilities, fresh methods of recruitment are necessary. NAHB’s partner, the Home Builders Institute, offers pre-apprenticeship training, job placement services, mentorship, and more. These programs have an 85% job placement rate for grads. The nonprofit Tools & Tiaras, Inc. seeks to interest young girls and women in the construction industry through hands-on projects. Two recent HBI military services training program grads are on their way to opening their own business.
Retired Army Second Lieutenant Amanda McNulty and her spouse, Lieutenant Colonel Anne Mitzak, both recently completed an HBI military services training program in Fort Hood, Texas, and are excited to start their own business in Arizona once Mitzak retires from the Army later this month.
McNulty said she’s always had an interest in building and construction, despite both women having been military medical personnel. “I’ve always been a ‘do it yourself’ kind of gal. Some of that stems from being of the age where I wasn’t ‘allowed’ to take wood shop in high school and was forced into home economics because I was a girl,” said McNulty. “When the opportunity arose with the program offered at HBI, and it was offered to spouses as well, we jumped at the chance.”
