Building Talent Foundation and Malco Tools Join Forces to Promote Careers in Construction

Washington, D.C., and Annandale, Minn., March 20, 2024 - Building Talent Foundation (BTF), a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing the education, training, and career progression of youth and people from underrepresented groups in the residential construction industry, and Malco Tools, Inc., renowned for over 70 years as a leading developer and manufacturer of high-quality specialty hand tools for the HVAC and building construction trades, announce a strategic collaboration to tackle the critical shortage of skilled workers in construction.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry averaged 445,000 job openings per month during the fourth quarter of 2023. Building Talent Foundation and Malco Tools will work together to close this gap by facilitating joint career events to promote careers in construction, and connecting job seekers, schools, and employers.

BTF and Malco will also work to attract new talent into the industry, focusing on connecting youth and individuals from underrepresented groups with training and employment opportunities through BTF’s career and jobs platform, JobsToBuild.

"Building Talent Foundation is excited to collaborate with Malco Tools," said Branka Minic, Chief Executive Officer of BTF. "Together, we will leverage our collective strengths to promote the many career options in construction, address the critical talent shortage in the industry, and positively impact lives through connections to meaningful work."

"We are thrilled to join forces with Building Talent Foundation," stated Rich Benninghoff, President and CEO of Malco Tools. "This collaboration aligns with Malco's commitment to excellence, innovation, and community impact as well. By combining our expertise in solutions development with BTF's dedication to empowering underrepresented individuals in construction, we are poised to make a lasting impact in the industry.”

BTF and Malco are already planning joint career events in Orlando, Dallas, and San Diego for this spring, where Malco volunteers will engage students of BTF training partners in exploring careers in construction. Young people will have the opportunity to learn about Malco’s corporate culture and core values, see Malco product demonstrations, and receive advice from both BTF and Malco professionals on how to succeed in the workplace.

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About Building Talent Foundation: Building Talent Foundation (BTF) is a national non-profit organization founded by the Leading Builders of America, with a purpose to address the acute and persistent talent shortage across residential construction. Building Talent Foundation's mission is to advance the education, training, and career progression of young people and people from underrepresented groups, helping them develop into skilled technical workers and business owners in residential construction. For more information visit www.buildingtf.org and follow Building Talent Foundation on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. 

About Malco Tools

Malco Tools, Inc., based in Annandale, Minnesota, is one of the nation’s leading solution developers and manufacturers of a variety of high-quality specialty hand tools for the HVAC and building construction trades. Backed by over 70 years of history, these specialized tools are built to last, rigorously tested and backed by a limited lifetime warranty. Malco is proud to be 100% employee owned. Malco earned a Manufacturing Excellence Award from Twin Cities Business Magazine in 2022 and was named the 2018 Medium Manufacturer of the Year by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. For more information about Malco, visit www.malcotools.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Building Talent Foundation:  Paola Rivera | (407) 405-0469 | paola.rivera@buildingtf.org

Malco Tools:  Johanna Holub | (612) 255-1124 | johanna@bellmontpartners.com

Housing First Minnesota and Building Talent Foundation Join Forces to Tackle State’s Construction Workforce Challenges

Minneapolis and Washington, DC, January 9, 2024 — In a state where the demand for housing is soaring, Housing First Minnesota, the state’s foremost advocate for the housing industry, and Building Talent Foundation, a national nonprofit committed to advancing the education, training, and career progression of youth and underrepresented individuals in residential construction, have joined forces to confront a critical issue: the shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry.

This strategic collaboration is a crucial step toward building a diverse and skilled talent pipeline in response to Minnesota’s rising housing demands. Despite year-over-year growth in Minnesota’s construction talent force, reaching nearly five percent, a critical shortage of skilled workers persists, threatening the industry’s ability to meet the demand for new housing.

Housing First Minnesota and Building Talent Foundation will collaborate to promote careers in construction at job fairs and career events, guide high school students towards exploring careers in the industry, and connect Housing First Minnesota Association members and other local employers to qualified candidates through BTF’s construction-only platform JobsToBuild.

This partnership between Housing First Minnesota and Building Talent Foundation has been instrumental in opening BTF’s 20th market. BTF Engagement Manager Lauren Kunkel will serve the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, connecting with local organizations, promoting construction careers in schools, as well as providing career coaching, soft-skills training, job search assistance, referrals to educational institutions and employers, and post-hire support to candidates.

“The next generation of our workforce will be presented an incredible opportunity to build a future with the homebuilding industry,” said James Vagle, CEO of Housing First Minnesota. “Cultivating a skilled workforce is the cornerstone of an effective construction industry, and through this collaboration we will deliver the education, training, and networking opportunities to build a stronger future for Minnesota’s residential construction landscape."

Branka Minic, CEO of Building Talent Foundation, shares her enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Our collaboration with Housing First Minnesota is an exciting step toward reshaping the construction workforce. By addressing the critical talent shortage, we are not only supporting the industry but also constructing a pathway of opportunity for the next generation. Together, we are fostering an inclusive environment where individuals of all backgrounds can thrive and contribute to Minnesota's vibrant residential construction sector.”

For Minnesota's homebuilding industry, this partnership offers access to a diverse pool of skilled prospective employees as well as opportunities to support the growth and sustainability of the workforce by participating in collaborative events and programs that support talent development. For youth and underrepresented individuals, it provides the coaching, training, employment opportunities, and guidance necessary to forge promising careers in residential construction.

Housing First Minnesota and Building Talent Foundation invite stakeholders, community organizations, and industry leaders to join them in promoting careers in construction and supporting talent development to build a stronger foundation for the future of Minnesota's construction workforce.

The partnership is supported by funding from the Lennar Foundation and Housing First Minnesota.

Media Contacts:

Housing First Minnesota: Katie Elfstrom | 651-697-7567 | katie@housingfirstmn.org

Building Talent Foundation: Terri Sue Monark | 303-947-5585 | terrisue.monark@buildingtf.org

Housing First Minnesota, the state's leading voice of homebuilders, remodelers, trade partners and homeowners, seeks to provide the opportunity for homeownership for everyone, everywhere. Its over 900 member builders, remodelers, developers, and suppliers throughout the state are dedicated to building safe, durable homes at a price Minnesotans can afford. For more information, visit housingfirstmn.org or follow Housing First Minnesota on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Building Talent Foundation (BTF) is a national non-profit organization founded by the Leading Builders of America, with a purpose to address the acute and persistent talent shortage across residential construction. Building Talent Foundation's mission is to advance the education, training, and career progression of young people and people from underrepresented groups, helping them develop into skilled technical workers and business owners in residential construction. For more information visit www.buildingtf.org and follow Building Talent Foundation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Building Talent Foundation and the US Army Private Public Partnership Office join forces to support Soldiers and Families to enter Careers in Construction

Washington, DC, November 7, 2023 – Building Talent Foundation (BTF), a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing the education, training, and career progression of youth and people from underrepresented groups in the residential construction industry, and the US Army Reserve Private Public Partnership Office (P3O) have announced a strategic collaboration. The P3 Office engages with businesses and academia to build a nationwide network of training and employment opportunities for Soldiers and Families.

The BTF-P3 collaboration provides Army Reserve Soldiers and their family members access to BTF's network of over 350 education and training partners, and over 1000 employers. Additionally, Soldiers will receive personalized career coaching and job search support from both BTF Engagement Managers and Army Reserve Employment Specialists (ARES), ensuring a smooth transition into their civilian careers.

This strategic collaboration is set to address the critical shortage of skilled workers and the need for a more diverse workforce in residential construction, while simultaneously providing valuable education, training, and career opportunities for members of the U.S. Army Reserve and their families.

Branka Minic, CEO of Building Talent Foundation, is enthusiastic about the collaboration, stating, "P3's dedication to recognizing the value of U.S. Army Reserve members is truly commendable. Residential construction employers have consistently shown support for our veterans. Building on this strong foundation of commitment, BTF is delighted to partner with P3O to help Soldiers and their families overcome educational and employment challenges. This collaboration not only advances BTF's mission but also fosters stronger community connections."

Alecia R. Grady, Director of the Private Public Partnership Office, underlines the significance of this partnership, saying, “Army Reservists bring an exceptional combination of leadership, adaptability, a strong work ethic, and a diverse skill set, all of which hold immense value for the construction industry. This partnership establishes a distinct opportunity, enabling our Soldiers to achieve professional fulfillment, serve their country, and provide support for their families. We are excited about the prospect of Army Reserve Soldiers making immediate and meaningful contributions to both the national economy and the defense of the nation through this collaboration.”

For the construction industry, this partnership offers access to thousands of motivated and well-trained job candidates, eager to contribute their skills and expertise to drive growth and excellence. For members of the U.S. Army Reserve, it provides valuable training and employment opportunities that support their career interests and enhance financial stability. This collaboration exemplifies how the private and public sectors can come together to address important issues for people and businesses, fostering success and mutual benefit.

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About Building Talent Foundation: Building Talent Foundation (BTF) is a national non-profit organization founded by the Leading Builders of America, with a purpose to address the acute and persistent talent shortage across residential construction. Building Talent Foundation's mission is to advance the education, training, and career progression of young people and people from underrepresented groups, helping them develop into skilled technical workers and business owners in residential construction. For more information visit www.buildingtf.org and follow Building Talent Foundation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About Private Public Partnership (P3): The Army Reserve's Private Public Partnership Office (P3O), the Army Reserve employment program, is dedicated to empowering Army Reserve Soldiers in their civilian careers for the greater benefit of the Army and the Nation. Over 87% of the force seamlessly blends military service with civilian professions, enriching the Army with professional skills, education, and private sector expertise. Through collaboration with organizations that provide employment opportunities and an extensive national network of corporate, profit/non-profit, and academic partners, the Army Reserve's Private Public Partnership Office connects Soldiers with internships, job placements, and educational pathways. For more information visit: https://www.usar.army.mil/P3/ or Follow P3 on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Media Contacts:

Building Talent Foundation: Terri Sue Monark | 303-947-5585 | terrisue.monark@buildingtf.org

U.S. Army Reserve Private Public Partnership: MAJ Rob Stubbs | 910-570-8146 | robert.p.stubbs.mil@army.mil   

Building Talent Foundation and Vinyl Siding Institute Forge Alliance to Promote Construction Careers

Washington, DC and Alexandria, VA, October 3, 2023 – Building Talent Foundation (BTF), a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing the education, training, and career progression of youth and people from underrepresented groups helping them develop into skilled technical workers and business owners in residential construction, and Vinyl Siding Institute, Inc. (VSI), the leading trade association representing manufacturers of vinyl and polymeric siding, have announced a strategic collaboration. This collaboration aims to promote careers in construction and improve labor market outcomes for job seekers. 

This alliance is poised to play a pivotal role in confronting the talent shortage in the residential construction industry. According to projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and analysis conducted by the National Association of Home Builders, the construction industry must add approximately 740,000 workers annually during this decade to ensure its viability. If not effectively tackled, this talent gap will impede the sector's expansion, hinder its capacity to meet housing demands, and thwart efforts to enhance home affordability. 

By uniting their expertise and resources, Building Talent Foundation and VSI will promote careers in construction and VSI's Certified Installer Program, as well as assist graduates of the program with securing employment and work-based learning opportunities with BTF's employer partners through its JobstoBuild construction-only career and job platform. Building Talent Foundation will collaborate with VSI and other residential construction leaders to bring 100,000 new skilled trades workers into construction by 2030. 

Branka Minic, CEO of Building Talent Foundation, shared her enthusiasm about the partnership: "I am excited about this collaboration with the Vinyl Siding Institute because it will generate more training and job opportunities for our program participants, particularly for young people and individuals from diverse backgrounds. In addition to providing opportunities for certification, employment, and advancement, it will also catalyze industry growth and rejuvenation by infusing it with a younger workforce." 

Echoing these sentiments, Kate Offringa, President and CEO of VSI, stated: "Our collaboration with Building Talent Foundation embodies our commitment to fostering a robust and diverse workforce within the construction industry. By leveraging each other's strengths, we can facilitate meaningful connections between graduates and employers, propelling the sector towards greater heights." 

Through this strategic partnership and aligning with their respective missions and core values, Building Talent Foundation and VSI intend to promote careers in construction, invigorate the construction industry's talent pool, and foster a younger and more diverse workforce. 

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About Building Talent Foundation 

Building Talent Foundation (BTF) is a national non-profit organization founded by the Leading Builders of America to address the acute and persistent talent shortage across residential construction. Building Talent Foundation's mission is to advance the education, training, and career progression of young people and people from underrepresented groups, helping them develop into skilled technical workers and business owners in residential construction. For more information visit www.buildingtf.org and follow Building Talent Foundation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. 

About Vinyl Siding Institute 

The Vinyl Siding Institute, Inc. (VSI) is the trade association for manufacturers of vinyl and other polymeric siding and suppliers to the industry. As industry advocates, VSI's goal is to further the development and growth of the vinyl and polymeric siding industry by helping to develop material, product, and performance standards in cooperation with standards-making organizations and code bodies. VSI engages in product stewardship and outreach activities to enhance the image of the industry and its products and serve as an information resource to remodelers, builders, planners, designers, architects, elected officials, building code officials, distributors, homeowners, and other exterior cladding decision-makers on the facts about vinyl siding. For more information visit VSI’s website and follow VSI on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 

For more information: 

Building Talent Foundation: Terri Sue Monark | (303) 947-5585 | terrisue.monark@buildingtf.org 

Vinyl Siding Institute: Lisa Dunn | (571) 489-6988 | ldunn@vinylsiding.org 

Building Talent Foundation and Air Conditioning Contractors of America Association Join Forces to Promote Careers in HVACR and Bring More Skilled Workers into the Industry

June 20, 2023 (WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Building Talent Foundation (BTF), a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing the education, training, and career progression of young people and people from underrepresented groups into residential construction, helping them develop into skilled technical workers and business owners, and Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) are excited to join forces. ACCA is a nationwide, non-profit association for professionals that install and maintain HVACR systems, dedicated to promoting professionalism in the contracting industry and setting the standards for proper HVACR system design, installation, and maintenance procedures.   BTF and ACCA are committed to promoting HVACR careers, attracting young people into the sector, and establishing a pipeline of talent for the industry’s future.

The timing of this partnership announcement is crucial for the industry, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects over 40,000 annual HVACR openings through 2030, with retirements outpacing the entry of new technicians into the field. This collaboration aims to address these challenges by promoting and facilitating careers in the HVACR industry. BTF and ACCA will work to connect HVACR program graduates and job seekers with internship and employment opportunities provided by ACCA member companies.

 “I am thrilled about this partnership because it opens so many internship and job opportunities for our program participants, and we care deeply about connecting people with excellent companies,” said Branka Minic, Chief Executive Officer of BTF. "This partnership will not only grant young people and individuals from underrepresented groups access to employment and on-the-job training with quality ACCA companies, but it will also contribute to the growth and revitalization of the HVACR industry through a younger workforce."

This partnership represents a significant milestone in promoting professionalism, fostering growth, and creating a network of support within the HVACR industry. By leveraging their collective strengths and shared vision, BTF and ACCA are confident in their ability to empower aspiring HVACR workers and pave the way for a thriving and skilled workforce.

"For the past decade, ACCA’s top priority has been addressing the skilled workforce shortages that have limited ACCA’s members’ ability to grow their businesses,” said Barton James, ACCA president & CEO. “Helping ACCA companies recruit, hire, and keep the best talent in their markets through this partnership with BTF is one more powerful tool in our toolbox for our members to access. ACCA members will now have a chance to hire from a new, diverse pool of qualified candidates. This collaboration enables us to move the needle forward on our top priority and show that our essential industry is a great place for talented people to have long-lasting careers and further elevate the standards of HVACR practices nationwide."

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 About Building Talent Foundation

Building Talent Foundation (BTF) is a national non-profit organization founded by the Leading Builders of America, with the purpose of addressing the acute and persistent talent shortage across residential construction. BTF's mission is to advance the education, training, and career progression of young people and people from underrepresented groups, helping them develop into skilled technical workers and business owners in residential construction. For more information visit www.buildingtf.org and follow BTF on LinkedIn.

About Air Conditioning Contractors of America

ACCA is the only nationwide, non-profit association for professionals that install and maintain HVACR, indoor environment, and building performance systems. ACCA provides 60,000 professionals - over 3,000 company members - from the indoor environment and energy services community with networking opportunities, education, and advocacy services that support their business development interests while championing the national health of the HVACR industry. For more information visit www.acca.org and follow ACCA on LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Building Talent Foundation:  Terri Sue Monark | (303) 947-5585 | terrisue.monark@buildingtf.org

Air Conditioning Contractors of America:  Melissa Broadus | (703) 824-8842 | melissa.broadus@acca.org

Building Industry Partners and Building Talent Foundation announce collaboration designed to make the built environment ‘Employer of Choice’

Relationship aims to serve dual purpose of identifying and promoting best practices for effective talent management while also supporting the long-term viability of the U.S. residential construction industry workforce

BOSTON and WASHINGTON – May 23, 2023 – Building Industry Partners (BIP), the leading private equity firm in the U.S. building industry and Building Talent Foundation (BTF) have formed a strategic collaboration to positively impact industry workers, their families, and the industry at large. BTF is a national non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the education, training, and career progression of young people and people from underrepresented groups in residential construction, helping them develop into skilled technical workers and business owners. BIP and BTF share an interest in changing lives through job creation and career development, while building and fortifying a pipeline of talent to ensure the industry remains viable for the future.

The announcement comes at a critical time for the industry, as it faces a 500,000 worker labor shortage and significant attrition as large segments of the workforce retire or near retirement. The sector needs to add approximately 740,000 workers per year during this decade to sustain itself, according to projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and analysis by the National Association of Home Builders. Left unaddressed, the talent gap will inhibit the sector’s ability to expand, to meet the housing demand, and to make homes more affordable. 

Through their collaboration, BIP and BTF will attract, develop and retain talent to and within the U.S. residential building industry and enable employers in the industry to become “Employers of Choice.” The organizations’ plans to collaborate include, but are not limited to, co-sponsoring initiatives designed to drive workforce development at the local level, connecting and leading their respective networks to focus on solutions for industry workforce challenges, engaging in research about the best human capital management practices, and rallying the industry to increase the workforce value proposition on a larger scale.

“We are thrilled to join forces with BTF and have this chance to make an impact in both the short and long term,” said Matt Ogden, Founder and Managing Partner at BIP. “As BTF has demonstrated, creating job opportunities and carving career pathways for those who may be considered ‘unemployable’ in the industry can make an immediate, life-changing difference for individuals and their families. Having a secure job and source of income has a measurable impact on financial wellness which has been proven to be linked to both physical and emotional health. In addition, investing in employees – creating a strong employee value proposition for them – can lead to enhanced business outcomes.  It is a true win-win for businesses and their workforces.” 

In 2020, BIP evolved its purpose to include elevating the industry’s employee value proposition, in addition to building exceptional businesses and generating world-class investment returns. The firm is now championing broad-based employee ownership at its growing list of portfolio companies, which currently includes West Coast Lumber Supply, Southeast Building Supply Interests, North American Specialty Laminations and Endeavor Fire Protection. It is also in the process of working to enhance the overall employee value proposition at its portfolio companies through a variety of advanced human capital management practices, such as introducing employee financial literacy education, providing clarity around career paths, and offering job training. 

“BTF’s mission is wholly aligned with BIP’s newly evolved purpose and ‘people first’ management philosophy, making this relationship such an easy, organic fit,” said Stu Kliman, Partner at BIP. “We are committed to doing our part to support BTF’s mission so that our industry’s workforce – which represents approximately 10% of the GDP of the U.S. – can not only sustain itself, but also flourish well into the future. We are eager to collaborate with BTF to galvanize widespread support so that we can collectively raise the bar for our industry, and most importantly, for the people in it.”

“BIP’s pioneering spirit, its coast-to-coast presence, its leadership across multiple verticals within the industry, and, most importantly, its true appreciation for – and commitment to – the people of the building industry, make it an ideal partner for BTF,” said Branka Minic, Chief Executive Officer of BTF.  “Having BIP’s support – and particularly Matt and Stu’s thought leadership, deep macro-level industry knowledge and extensive networks to help propel BTF’s mission – is invaluable, especially during such a critical time for the industry.”

As part of the relationship, Ogden and Kliman will serve on BTF’s Advisory Council and Minic will join BIP’s Advisory Council.

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ABOUT BUILDING INDUSTRY PARTNERS

Building Industry Partners (BIP) is the leading private equity investment firm focused on the U.S. building industry. Founded by Matt Ogden in 2008, BIP is headquartered in Boston, with operating partners and advisors across the U.S. Over the past 15 years, BIP is proud to have co-founded or served as first equity sponsor of a number of the fastest growing and most dynamic businesses in the U.S. building industry’s middle market, including U.S. LBM Holdings, Kodiak Building Partners, Homewood Holdings, and U.S. Fence Solutions/Binford Supply.

In 2020, BIP redefined its purpose: to build exceptional and enduring businesses, generate world-class investment returns, and contribute to elevating the building industry and its workforce through people-focused investment and business principles. BIP continues to seek opportunities to sponsor the building industry’s greatest talent and helping them realize their entrepreneurial visions, while increasing shared prosperity amongst its businesses’ shareholders, management, and workforce through broad-based employee ownership and advancement of human capital management practices. For more information, visit www.buildingip.com and follow BIP on LinkedIn.

ABOUT BUILDING TALENT FOUNDATION

Building Talent Foundation (BTF) is a national non-profit organization founded by the Leading Builders of America, with a purpose to address the acute and persistent talent shortage across residential construction. BTF's mission is to advance the education, training, and career progression of young people and people from underrepresented groups, helping them develop into skilled technical workers and business owners in residential construction. For more information visit www.buildingtf.org and follow BTF on LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACTS

For Building Industry Partners: Michele Wisch Robin | (617) 431-8333 | mrobin@buildingip.com

For Building Talent Foundation:  Terri Sue Monark | (303) 947-5585 | terrisue.monark@buildingtf.org

Building Talent Foundation recognizes its 2022 Industry Champions

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 31, 2023) — Today, Building Talent Foundation (BTF) is honoring its 2022 Industry Champions, for their above-and-beyond commitment, contribution, and collaboration in building a sustainable workforce in residential construction.

BTF is a national nonprofit organization, established in 2019 by the Leading Builders of America to address the acute and persistent talent shortage across building trades. With an average of 400,000 job openings throughout 2022, and with 40% of the current workers expected to retire by 2031, the construction industry must invest in strengthening its workforce.  With the support of its Champions, and in collaboration with construction employers, training providers and community-based organizations, BTF connects youth and people from underrepresented groups with internship and employment opportunities. BTF has coached over 1,400 people into jobs and in 2022, BTF engaged more than 23,000 people across the U.S. in exploring careers in construction.

BTF CEO Branka Minic will hand-deliver the plaques to the BTF Industry Champions during the 2023 International Builders Show  that opens today in Las Vegas. The IBS is the world’s largest annual residential construction show and is the must-attend event for professionals in the building industry.

“Through the support of the Leading Builders of America and our Industry Champions, BTF is able to implement solutions to the critical talent shortage in residential construction,” Minic said. “They are partners in our mission and share our vision for a sustainable workforce in our sector.”

Building Talent Foundation's 2022 Industry Champions are:

• Builders FirstSource, the nation’s largest supplier of structural building products, value-added components and services to the professional market for new residential construction and repair and remodeling.

• Carrier, the leading global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions.

• Daikin, the global leader in air conditioning, with HVAC&R, fluorochemical, and filtration products.

• International Code Council, the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions that include product evaluation, accreditation, technology, training, and certification.

• Kohler, a global leader in the design, innovation and manufacture of kitchen and bath products; luxury cabinetry, tile and lighting; engines, generators, and clean energy solutions.

• Resideo, a leading global manufacturer and distributor of technology-driven products and solutions that provide comfort, security, energy efficiency and control to customers worldwide.

• Sherwin-Williams, a global leader in the manufacture, development, distribution, and sale of paints, coatings and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers.

• Simpson Strong-Tie, one of the largest suppliers of structural building products in the world.

“Each of these organizations believes in the importance of BTF’s mission and have been excellent allies in executing our strategy,” said Minic. “The only path to effectively address workforce challenges is with industry-wide support and collaboration. These organizations are models of that collaboration, which is why we are recognizing them today.”

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About Building Talent Foundation
Building Talent Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by the Leading Builders of America, 20 of the largest residential construction companies in the United States. BTF’s mission is to advance the education, training, and career progression of young people and people from under-represented groups, helping them develop into skilled technical workers and business owners in residential construction. For more information, visit https://www.buildingtf.org/.

North State Building Industry Foundation and Building Talent Foundation Announce New Partnership

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 14, 2022) – The Building Talent Foundation (BTF) and the North State Building Industry Foundation (NSBIF) have entered into a partnership to work toward creating a sustainable homebuilding workforce in Northern California. Through the partnership, the two workforce development nonprofits will work closely to promote careers in construction, connect job seekers with employers in the sector, and improve employee engagement and retention. 

“NSBIF is a well-established, well-connected organization that has been serving northern California for over 15 years, and our partnership with them will strengthen and enhance our local efforts to provide qualified trades workers to employer partners,” said Branka Minic, CEO of BTF. “Likewise, we will collaborate to augment and amplify their programs, as we all work toward the common goal of a strong, sustainable homebuilding workforce.” 

“We are proud to partner with BTF on this initiative, especially at a time where it is critical to retain our current workforce and recruit for the future, providing people with meaningful careers in the northern California marketplace. BTF’s national reach coupled with our northern California reach will allow us to develop the best talent for our area,” said Jennifer Poff, executive director of NSBIF. 

One of the key components of the partnership includes a NSBIF-branded landing page on BTF’s JobsToBuild.com platform. The platform will allow NSBIF education and employer partners to connect with students and job seekers, facilitating placement in training programs and construction careers. BTF’s experienced Engagement Managers are also available to guide job seekers through their journeys and assist employers in finding qualified candidates. 

NSBIF has already been instrumental in helping BTF establish relationships with builders and trade employers in California. With the help of NSBIF, BTF has participated in several career fairs, expos, and other events, building relationships with employers, education partners, job seekers and students. 

The two organizations will also collaborate to promote NSBIF partners’ courses and BTF programs, help connect course graduates to employers and work-based training opportunities, and provide support and training to NSBIF partners. All of these benefits will be provided at no cost to NSBIF partners. 

To learn more about NSBIF, visit their website at www.biaworkforce.com.

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 About Building Talent Foundation

Building Talent Foundation (BTF) is a non-profit organization founded by the Leading Builders of America, 20 of the largest residential construction companies in the United States. BTF's mission is to advance the education, training, and career progression of young people and people from underrepresented groups, helping them develop into skilled technical workers and business owners in residential construction. For more information, visit www.buildingtf.org.

About North State Building Industry Foundation

Founded in 2007, NSBIF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to become the residential construction industry’s main vehicle to resolve its workforce development issues within Northern California by attracting enough workers (trades, office workers and management) to meet industry needs and assist the industry in developing and retaining employees. We address these needs through our PIPER framework - Promotions, Internships, Placements, Education & Research.

California Homebuilding Foundation and Building Talent Foundation Announce New Partnership

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 14, 2022) – The Building Talent Foundation (BTF) and the California Homebuilding Foundation (CHF) have agreed to a partnership to promote careers in residential construction in the state of California. The two organizations will collaborate on programs that expose young people to the homebuilding industry, provide them with training and education, and connect jobseekers with employers.

The partnership will center on supporting the Foundation’s Donald Chaiken Building Industry Technology Academy (BITA). As a Career Technical Education Curriculum, BITA is offered in high schools throughout California, giving students opportunities to learn construction skills and gain hands-on experience, preparing them for careers in construction. To date, the program serves an average of 6,300 students annually, impacting 50 California high schools.

“For more than 40 years, the Foundation has been working on getting young people excited and interested in homebuilding careers,” said Branka Minic, CEO of BTF. “We are proud to be partnering with them to help them continue this success, and we’re fortunate to have them in our corner as we bring our programs to California.”

“We are excited to partner with BTF in providing students resources and job placement opportunities that will enhance their education experience, helping them gain a foundation in construction fundamentals and prepare them for a career in the homebuilding industry, " said Terri Brunson, Executive Director.

Under the agreement, both organizations will work together to promote careers in construction to high school students and jobseekers and facilitate connections between job candidates and employers. They will also support employers by helping them improve employee engagement and retention.

One of the key components of the partnership includes a Foundation branded landing page on BTF’s JobsToBuild.com platform, which will help students and jobseekers explore career paths, find training programs, and connect with employers. Students and job seekers will also have support from BTF’s experienced Engagement Managers to guide them as they explore and grow their careers.

The two organizations will also collaborate to promote students to BTF’s education and recruiting partners and provide career information to instructors and administrators involved in the BITA program. BTF will also promote the Foundation and its programs to employers throughout California.

“This is an exciting opportunity for our two organizations to share resources, learn from each other, and work together to achieve our common goals,” added Minic.

To learn more about the California Homebuilding Foundation and BITA, visit their website at mychf.org.

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About Building Talent Foundation

Building Talent Foundation (BTF) is a non-profit organization founded by the Leading Builders of America, 20 of the largest residential construction companies in the United States. BTF's mission is to advance the education, training, and career progression of young people and people from underrepresented groups, helping them develop into skilled technical workers and business owners in residential construction. For more information, visit https://www.buildingtf.org/

About The California Homebuilding Foundation

The California Homebuilding Foundation is a California-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization paving the way for scholastic success for the state’s next generation builders and a stronger, healthier homebuilding industry.

RESNET and Building Talent Foundation Announce New Collaboration to Promote HERS® Career Opportunities

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 15, 2022) – The Residential Energy Network, Inc. (RESNET) and the Building Talent Foundation (BTF)announced a new collaboration to promote Home Energy Ratings System (HERS) careers, connect job-seekers with employers in the sector, and improve engagement and retention.

A key component of the collaboration will be a RESNET-branded landing page on JobsToBuild.com, BTF’s career platform. Through this branded landing page, RESNET providers and ratings companies will have no-cost access and priority job listings on the platform, allowing them to promote HERS careers and connect with qualified candidates. BTF’s team of experienced Engagement Managers will provide additional support, guiding job-seekers and helping them understand the opportunities in the many possible opportunities in the sector.

Through the collaboration, BTF and RESNET will also work together to promote HERS Raters designation to BTF’s education and recruiting partners. BTF will add career path and education information to the career exploration section of JobsToBuild.com and will promote HERS careers directly through their student and employer networks.

All of these services will be available at no cost to RESNET’s members.

“Knowing how talent shortages are impacting homebuilding and the need for HERS workforce development, we are thrilled to work with the Building Talent Foundation to promote the home energy rating profession and career opportunities to its network of potential job-seekers,” said Steve Baden, Executive Director of RESNET. “Having priority job listings via their JobstoBuild.com platform will allow RESNET providers and rating companies to post their open positions to reach more prospective employees and encourage new people to join the industry.”

“Home energy rating professionals are needed more than ever, as the homebuilding industry strives for improved environmental and social sustainability,” said Branka Minic, CEO of BTF. “RESNET and Building Talent Foundation are committed to working together to strengthen the talent pipeline into the sector, and to support sector employers as they grow their businesses.”

Visit www.resnet.us for more details.

About RESNET

The Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) is the independent, national nonprofit organization that homeowners trust to improve home energy efficiency and realize substantial savings on their utility bills. RESNET’s industry-leading standards are recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, among others. For more information, visitwww.resnet.us.