The construction industry skilled labor shortage didn't just appear after this last recession, but has been coming for years! Certainly, the last economic recession didn't help, discouraging many young people from entering the construction workforce, but the aging "Baby Boomers" who still make up a large portion of the industry are now retired, considering retirement or are preparing to retire very soon.
The Home Builders Association of Tuscaloosa partnered with Tuscaloosa Career & Technology Academy (TCTA) and Holt High School to encourage local high school students to pursue a career in construction. In 2018, HBAT helped to forge a new plumbing curriculum at TCTA as local member companies continued to assist in the electrical and carpentry programs already in place.
Photos below: 2021 Team Build Competition held at Tuscaloosa Career & Technology Academy with 7 high school trade education programs competing for recognition.