The Home Builders Institute (HBI) has received a grant from Google.org, the charitable arm of Google, to expand training for transitioning military service members, veterans, military spouses, and family members. In addition to the HBI, Google is also allocating grant money toward Hiring Our Heroes and Student Veterans of America.
The grant is part of Google.org’s ongoing commitment to the skilled trades and veterans, with a goal of helping 25,000 veterans and military families build careers in the skilled trades.
“Google.org’s investment will change the lives of more transitioning military, military spouses, veterans, and their family members because the people who served this country deserve a second career as strong as their first,” says Ed Brady, president and CEO of the HBI. “Leaving the military means leaving behind more than a job. It means leaving a structure and an identity built over years of service. Our service members already have the discipline, the leadership and the ability to get hard things done. A career in the trades puts all of that to work with real pay and a future they build with their own hands.”
The HBI’s military services program offers tuition-free, 12-week skilled trades training through the U.S. Department of Defense SkillBridge program at 10 locations on or near military installations across the country. Participants learn carpentry and electrical work, earn industry-recognized certifications, and receive job placement support. With Google.org’s grant support, the HBI aims to add training cohorts at existing SkillBridge sites, expand training, and strengthen job placement support.
“The skilled trades are a critical backbone of the American economy, and addressing the shortage will take sustained partnership, not one-off programs,” Shanika Hope, director of Google.org, says. “We’re proud to support Home Builders Institute and other organizations as they expand training, credentials, and career pathways that keep this country building while supporting veterans and military families.”
HBI research indicates the skilled labor shortage is costing the economy approximately $10.8 billion a year. The organization estimates builders need more than 700,000 additional workers each year to keep pace with demand. Graduates of HBI’s military services program have posted an 87% job placement rate.
