Training Academy expands youth programs through two national industry partnerships
DENVER (September 5, 2017) Colorado Homebuilding Academy, the regional construction industry consortium led by Oakwood Homes, is expanding opportunities for young people to enter the construction and building trades. This fall, two new Academy programs are integrating workforce development directly into area High Schools.
Working in partnership with Wheat Ridge High School and Home Builders Association of Metro Denver, Colorado Homebuilding Academy has secured acceptance as a National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Student Chapter. Affiliation with NAHB connects educators with homebuilding professionals to develop skilled training curricula grounded in the needs of businesses, helping students gain highly-valuable skills for successful careers in the homebuilding industry.
Wheat Ridge High School is currently the only NAHB Student Chapter in all of Colorado. The nationally-recognized skills certifications issued through NAHB will give local students a major advantage in securing well-paying jobs in one of the state’s fastest-growing industries.
Sponsorship by Home Builders Association of Metro Denver (HBA) is integral in obtaining NAHB Student Chapter affiliation. “I was pleased to sign HBA Metro Denver’s endorsement,” said Karl Knapp, HBA Metro Denver Board President. “HBA is thrilled to bring the only NAHB High-School Student Chapter in Colorado to Wheat Ridge High School. We are all excited to attract young people into our growing industry, and the HBA looks forward to sponsoring additional student chapters throughout the Denver Metro area.”
The University of Denver, Daniels College of Business, Franklin L. Burns School of Real Estate and Construction Management has enjoyed a successful NAHB Student chapter for many years. “I look forward to the opportunity for our students to provide near peer mentoring to the students of Wheat Ridge High School, while showing the multiple paths to a career in the construction industry ” said Assistant Professor – Eric Holt, PhD
In addition to NAHB Student Chapter affiliation, the Academy is partnering with International Code Council (ICC) to give students exposure to building code regulations. ICC’s High School Technical Training Toolkit will allow the Academy to deliver a comprehensive safety and regulatory program in building, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical. The growth of Colorado Homebuilding Academy’s high school training programming is part of a comprehensive effort by Denver Metro homebuilders to find solutions to the construction labor shortage that continues to impact the region.
“We are excited to announce an expansion of career opportunities for high school students through our new programs and partnership,” said Michael Smith, Director of the Colorado Homebuilding Academy. “We’re looking forward to developing strong connections between businesses and the young people that will become the next leaders in Colorado’s homebuilding industry.”