Building Workforce, Building Community, Building Lives
Our area’s local industry offers multiple opportunities for rewarding careers in construction. Whether it’s through building or remodeling homes, there is a growing need for skilled tradespeople in western North Carolina.
The Asheville Home Builders Association’s workforce initiatives provide a pathway for its members to tap into community partnerships. The AHBA supports education and training programs that increase construction career awareness. We’re helping to build a strong workforce for western North Carolina.
A dedicated team of AHBA Member Volunteers are directly involved in addressing the skilled labor shortage in the home building industry. This committee takes an active role in promoting and growing awareness of skilled trades and careers in construction. They do this through identifying and strengthening key partnerships with our local workforce development board, schools, and other organizations.
EXPLORE Careers in Construction
The home building industry offers more than just another job — you can find a rewarding career and earn a great salary! And you don’t need to follow the traditional college path to get there. We invite you to learn more about rewarding career opportunities in the fields of:
GROWING Awareness in our Local Community
The AHBA has hosted its annual Playhouse Showdown competition since 2013. It offers local high school students a real-world collaborative building project. The purpose is to inspire young people to consider a future in the trades. It also raised money for the school’s construction industry classrooms and brings awareness to the hard work of these participating students.
Through this unique program, students complete a themed 6′ x 8′ playhouse. They must build within specified parameters and demonstrate creativity in design and problem solving. Each participating school forms a team comprised of students who are studying drafting, carpentry, interior design, or marketing. AHBA Members proudly donate all building materials and offer guidance throughout the project.
Completed playhouses are on display for the community to see first-hand at the AHBA’s Build and Remodel Expo each February. Students win awards in the categories of Best in Show and Viewer’s Choice. These outstanding playhouses are raffled off to lucky winners at the Build and Remodel Expo. All raffle ticket proceeds directly benefit Buncombe County high school’s Career and Technical Education Programs.
SUPPORT available through the AHBA Education Foundation
The Asheville Home Builders Association has proudly offered an annual scholarship program for years. It supported many students pursuing a career in the home building industry. The newly created AHBA Education Foundation will make it possible to enhance this program even more. Learn more about the AHBA Education Foundation.
Learn about previous scholarship recipients:
Additional Scholarship Programs available through the NCHBA and NAHB:
The North Carolina Home Builders Education Foundation, Inc. awards scholarships based on a combination of need and merit. Those eligible include four-year college students entering their junior or senior year, and technical school students who have declared their major in a construction related field and are entering their second year. Applicants must be immediate family members of NCHBA member firms. Read about eligibility criteria and application information.
Affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders, additional scholarships and resources are available through the National Housing Endowment. Visit their scholarships and grants web page to learn more about the various opportunities available specifically for college students who are studying residential construction and the trades.
Have questions or want to get involved? Contact a member of the AHBA staff today.