HBI (Home Builders Institute)

?? Student Success Story: Jesus Lopez ?? ?? From Dental Assistant to Meter Technician! After moving to Sacramento, Jesus Lopez discovered the BuildStrong Academy of Greater Sacramento and, despite having no prior experience, took a leap into construction to build a hands-on, sustainable career. ??? ?? Through hands-on training, he built valuable skills and secured a Meter Technician job with SMUD before his January 2025 graduation. Now, he’s earning $63.01/hr, with a company vehicle and tools included! ???? ?? "I couldn’t have done it without the help of everyone at the Academy," Jesus shares. His story proves that with the right skills and determination, a career change is possible! #hbi #buildstrong #studentsuccess #skilledtrades #constructioncareers #metertechnician #careerchange #buildingfutures

???Sharing the Sustainability of Careers in Construction: Our HBI Grafton Job Corps team participated in Career Day at Nativity School of Worcester (MA)! Nativity students and graduates were able to learn more about the training opportunities available to them, including the HBI Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Trainings in Electrical and Plumbing. Interested students and their parents were sent home with HBI pens and gadgets, and packets full of information about HBI training opportunities. ??From our HBI Plumbing Instructor, Starr Delgado: "Thank you for allowing me to make a difference in my community and touch the lives of the families; Building Careers and Changing Lives in our community is what we do." ??From Chayanne Chataigne, Director of College Placement & Post-Secondary Transition. "Our students and graduates truly appreciated the opportunity to engage in informational interviews with you, and your insights made a meaningful impact." ??To learn more about HBI and the tuition-free skilled trades training programs we have, please visit us at hbi.org. #JobCorps #GraftonMA #skilledtrades #BuildingCareersChangingLives #constructioncareers #tradestraining

?? Women in Construction Week is Over, But We’re Not Done Celebrating! ?? We’re continuing to shine a light on the incredible women making waves in the skilled trades, and today we’re featuring Jess Maldonado! With over 20 years in home remodeling and the trades, Jess has built a career in mechatronics, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and flooring—proving that women can thrive and lead in construction. Her motto, “It’s not that I don’t know how to do it, it’s that I haven’t learned that yet,” has fueled her journey of resilience, learning, and empowerment. After overcoming personal challenges and starting her own business, Jess of All Crafts, Jess found her true passion as an HBI instructor, teaching and inspiring others to embrace the hands-on world of construction. She is also an HBI student, continuing to grow her skills while mentoring the next generation of trades professionals. Jess’s story is a testament to determination, adaptability, and the power of skilled trades. She is not just breaking barriers—she is building a legacy for women in construction. Join us in celebrating Jess and all the women making an impact in the industry! #womeninconstruction #wicweek #hbi #buildstrong #skilledtrades #constructioncareers #womenintrades #mentorship #buildingfutures

??HBI's Orlando Buildstrong Academy has again this year been awarded the distinction of being chosen as the Greater Orlando Builders Association 's (GOBA) Focus Charity. ?? Chartered in 1985, the GOBA Foundation was established to provide a vehicle for community charitable operations by members of the Builders Association. ??As the charitable arm of the Greater Orlando Builders Association, the Foundation's mission is to provide, in perpetuity, a vehicle to repay the greater Orlando community. Although the Foundation’s support is available to a broad base of worthy causes in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties, two specific areas of particular interest have been targeted: ?Youth: for there is no greater way to insure the community’s future than by helping a child, ?Education: for there is no better way to demonstrate GOBA's gratitude than by encouraging someone else’s dream to flourish. ??This is the second year in a row that HBI and the Orlando Buildstrong Academy has been chosen as the GOBA Foundation's Chosen Charity. ?? QUOTE FROM GOBA CEO CHASSITY VEGA: We believe that HBI's mission aligns with the goals of our organization - and demonstrates our mutual efforts and dedication to bridging the gap of the skilled trades labor shortage. #hbisuccess #buildstrong #skilledtrades #buildstrongacademy #orlando #homebuildersinstitute #buildingfutures

?? Celebrating Women in Construction: Where Hard Hats Meet High Heels! ?? Our HBI (Home Builders Institute) Military Services programs celebrated last week across all 10 #DoDSkillBridge programs with over 250 participants in an interactive event highlighting our remarkable women in construction. Students, staff, and local participants came together to enjoy virtual guest speakers, learn more about our female graduate success stories, and participate in different building activities to mark the occasion. ???? Women in construction play a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry. Their diverse perspectives enhance creativity, safety, and decision-making on the job site. By breaking barriers, they inspire future generations, contribute to a more inclusive and resilient workforce, and help close the skilled trades labor gap. Our Military Services programs, as part of the DoD SkillBridge initiative, support ALL transitioning service members, military veterans, and military dependents in entering the skilled trades. ?? Thank you to #TheHomeDepotFoundation for making impactful events like this and programs like ours possible! Thank you to everyone who participated and made this event and our whole Women in Construction Spirit Week a huge success! Let's continue to build a future where women in construction thrive. ??? #womeninconstruction #skillbridge #buildingcareers #changinglives #pathtopro

??? This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the incredible women shaping construction! Today, we honor Guadalupe Medina for her dedication and impact in the skilled trades. ??????♀? A true trailblazer, Guadalupe was one of the first women in combat engineering, breaking barriers in multiple divisions throughout her military career. She adapted, learned, and excelled—even training with French and German forces while deployed in Kuwait. As she transitioned out of the military, Guadalupe joined HBI, gaining hands-on training that helped her secure a job immediately after graduation. Today, she works at Barrier Compliance Services , specializing in fire stopping in commercial construction. She has developed expertise in fireproofing electrical rooms, sealing railings, and waterproofing exteriors, ensuring safety and compliance in the industry. With her discipline, adaptability, and determination, Guadalupe is eager to explore new opportunities in carpentry, building restoration, and project management. Her journey from combat engineer to construction professional proves that with perseverance and passion, any challenge can become an opportunity. Join us in celebrating Guadalupe’s success! ?? #womeninconstruction #wicweek #hbi #buildstrong #skilledtrades #veteransinconstruction #firestopping #constructioncareers #buildingfutures #womenintrades #thehomedepotfoundation

????We are so happy for you to meet Job Corps student/graduate/future electrician...ANTHONY VEASLEY! ??Anthony Veasley graduated from the HBI Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship training at the Oneonta, NY Job Corps Center. ? Anthony's #JobCorps Moment..."My goal coming here to Job Corps was becoming the best electrician I can be." He is currently enrolled in the HBI Advanced Certification HVAC program at the Detroit, MI Job Corps Center. The HBI Advanced Training Programs, developed by industry experts and HBI instructors, directly align with national skills standards. We offer three class sessions every year at select Job Corps locations. To qualify, participants must first complete a basic training program and fulfill all application requirements. Once accepted into the program, participants receive 15 weeks – approximately 300 hours – of training in their chosen advanced field. Successful graduates complete the program with greater employment opportunities and higher wage-earning potential. #communityprograms #constructiontraining #skilledtrades #workforcedvelopment #buildingfutures

????Congratulations to the new GRADUATES at Phoenix House Florida, who are now officially certified pre-apprentices in Building Construction Technology (BCT)! One graduate said to HBI Team member, James Deese, “This is the first time I have completed anything.” ??James: “With the DOC participants, it’s easy to overlook the importance of these events, but to them this is the start of a better life.” HBI is honored to work with Phoenix House Florida to provide life-changing opportunities through our Building Construction Technology (BCT) program! Shout out to HBI BCT Instructor, Mike Meek, for inspiring the next generation of construction professionals! ?? And to HBI Instructor, Charles Anderson, for substituting in this program’s electrical course! You have both made such an impact on the lives and of your students! This program is sponsored by Home Builders Institute, and the State of Florida, Department of Corrections ( Florida Department of Corrections ). ??HBI's Community Programs are customized to benefit underserved and underemployed populations including justice-involved youth and individuals re-entering society. We equip our program participants with the training, education, skillset, certification, and work experience they need to build a new career, change their lives, and give back to their local communities. Together, we're empowering individuals to build new careers and contribute to their communities. ?? #hbi #partnership #communityprograms #constructiontraining #skilledtrades #workforcedvelopment #secondchances #buildingfutures

?? Women in Construction Week May Be Over, But We're Still Celebrating—Especially During Women's History Month! ?? We’re continuing to highlight the incredible women making strides in the skilled trades, and today we’re featuring Felicia Beaver! After serving six years in the Marine Corps as a welder, Felicia chose to further her career in construction through HBI’s SkillBridge Training Program in San Marcos, CA. She found support, hands-on training, and a community of fellow veterans that helped her transition into civilian life. Today, Felicia is a licensed residential contractor in Minnesota and works for Wick Buildings, where she designs structures and handles cost estimations. She’s proud to work alongside her two sisters in the family business, proving that women belong in construction—and they’re making history every day. Felicia’s story is a testament to dedication, passion, and the power of skilled trades training. Join us in celebrating her success and the impact of women in the industry this Women’s History Month! ??? #WomenInConstruction #WICWeek #WomensHistoryMonth #HBI #BuildStrong #SkilledTrades #VeteransInTrades #ConstructionCareers #BuildingFutures #WomenInTrades #TheHomeDepotFoundation

???HBI Plumbing Instructor, Starr Delgado, shares her personal thoughts on what she loves about what she does... #jobcorps #worldplumbingday #womenshistorymonth #skilledtrades #buildingcareers #changinglives