Key facts
- Google.org awarded a grant to the Home Builders Institute (HBI) to expand its skilled trades training program.
- The HBI program offers tuition-free, 12-week training for transitioning service members, veterans, and military families.
- The funding will support adding training cohorts, broadening course offerings, and strengthening job placement services.
- HBI's Military Services program has a reported 87% job placement rate.
- Graduates of HBI's programs earn average starting wages of over $23 an hour.
The Home Builders Institute (HBI) has received a grant from Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, to expand its skilled trades training and job placement services for transitioning military service members, veterans, and military families. This funding is part of a larger Google.org initiative aimed at helping 25,000 veterans and military family members build careers in the skilled trades.
HBI's Military Services program offers a tuition-free, 12-week training course through the Department of Defense SkillBridge program at 10 sites near military installations. Participants receive hands-on instruction in carpentry and electrical work, earn industry-recognized credentials, and receive job placement support with residential builders and contractors. Graduates of these programs report average starting wages exceeding $23 an hour and an 87% job placement rate.
Google.org's support will enable HBI to add more training cohorts at existing SkillBridge sites, expand course offerings, and enhance job placement services. HBI research indicates that the skilled-labor shortage is costing the U.S. economy approximately $10.8 billion annually, with the construction industry needing over 700,000 additional workers each year to meet housing demand.