The Southern Utah Home Builders Association (SUHBA) held its first “Build Your Future: SUHBA Careers in Construction Day” on September 12th. The event aimed to introduce Year 7 students to rewarding career opportunities in the home construction industry.
Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with construction professionals, learn about different industries, and participate in live demonstrations. More than 40 construction industry companies were on site to showcase the latest tools, technology and career path opportunities.
This event is important as the demand for skilled construction workers continues to grow in southern Utah. SUHBA aims to address the workforce shortage by introducing the next generation to the different career paths available in the construction industry. The top 25% of professionals in various construction industries earn at least $60,000 per year, making construction a lucrative and fulfilling career choice.
“With the average age of construction workers in Utah being 41 years old and more than 20% of the workforce being over the age of 55, the construction industry is facing a severe labor shortage,” said SUHBA President Skylar Stevens. Mr. Su explains. “This event is an important initiative to attract younger generations to the construction career path and ensure a steady flow of skilled workers to meet the growing housing demand in the region.”
SUHBA partners with the Washington County School District to promote careers in the construction industry through construction and architecture courses at Career Tech High School. By participating in this program, students gain hands-on experience, including building homes that will be featured in the St. George Area Home Parade.
Want to create your own construction industry event? Check out the Career Connections Playbook created by NAHB and the National Housing Foundation to help HBAs and members get started on their workforce advocacy efforts.
Learn more about NAHB’s Careers in Construction Month.
