The Washington Home Builders Foundation (WHBF), the charitable arm of the BIAW, is thrilled to announce the launch of its Construction Trades Training Academy, set to begin in January 2025. This initiative aims to tackle the skilled labor shortage in the construction industry with a comprehensive training-to-placement model that equips participants with the necessary skills and places them directly into jobs where they are needed most.
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About the Construction Trades Training Academy
The Construction Trades Training Academy leverages the Home Builder Institute’s Pre-Apprenticeship Certified Training (PACT) curriculum, integrating hands-on learning, classroom instruction, and real-world experience under one roof. The academy emphasizes job placement, mentorship, and ongoing support for students and industry partners, ensuring that graduates are not only trained but fully prepared to succeed in the field.
Academy Topics
Topics taught include:
- Construction Basics (math, safety, materials, and tools)
- Carpentry Fundamentals
- OSHA Standards
- Employability Skills and Jobsite Readiness
With our first site located in downtown Tacoma, post-secondary students and transitioning adults from across the greater Puget Sound will be able to access this industry-driven training at no cost to them and in a condensed timeframe of 8 weeks. Enrollment for our first cohorts is now open!
The academy’s efforts are bolstered by strong partnerships with BOLT, Goodwill of the Olympic and Rainier Region, the City of Tacoma, and the Home Builders Institute, all working together to support the next generation of skilled construction professionals.
How You Can Get Involved
Support the academy by promoting our training programs to eligible participants or by joining our Employer Network! Members of the Employer Network gain exclusive opportunities to engage with students through guest presentations, mock interviews, mini job fairs, and direct hiring access to program graduates.
For more information about the program and to sign up for the Employer Network, please visit our website. Together, we can build a stronger workforce for the future of construction.