Skilled-trade jobs can earn six figures, says HBI chief amid labor crunch
Home Builders Institute CEO Ed Brady warned that 300,000 trade positions remain vacant and urged more young people and veterans to enter high-paying skilled-trade careers.
During a televised interview, Ed Brady, president and CEO of the Home Builders Institute, highlighted a current deficit of roughly 300,000 skilled-trade workers across plumbing, electrical, painting and HVAC sectors. He explained that this shortage is slowing homebuilding, infrastructure projects and the construction of new commercial data centers, which are drawing labor away from residential work. Brady stressed the need to attract younger workers and transitioning service members by showcasing the potential for six-figure salaries and business ownership after starting at about $30 an hour.
He called for broader education of students, parents, educators and legislators about these opportunities. The institute is scaling its veteran-training program, now operating in ten locations, with new support from Google.org, and noted that 87% of its military students secured career jobs last year.
