The Home Builders Institute (HBI) and Invitation Homes have launched a partnership aimed at helping transitioning military service members, veterans, and their families build careers in construction, property maintenance, and the skilled trades.
The partnership will expand Invitation Homes’ existing Invitation to SkillUp initiative through an investment in HBI’s Military Services program, which provides hands-on, instructor-led skilled trades training, industry-recognized certifications, and job placement assistance.
Through the partnership, HBI and Invitation Homes will connect HBI-trained veterans, military spouses, and family members with career opportunities in the build-to-rent and single-family rental sectors. The organizations also plan to expand recruitment at HBI Military Services locations, including Fort Stewart, Georgia, and Jacksonville, Florida.
Invitation Homes’ Veteran Employee Resource Group will participate in mentorship and career guidance efforts.
“Veterans and their families have dedicated themselves to serving our country, and we are proud to support them as they transition into rewarding civilian careers,” Invitation Homes president and CEO Dallas Tanner says. “Through our Invitation to SkillUp initiative, we are investing in talented individuals whose dedication and service strengthen our communities, while helping create meaningful opportunities in the skilled trades.”
Building a Pipeline Into the Trades
HBI has spent a decade training, certifying, and placing transitioning service members, veterans, and their families in skilled trades careers. According to HBI president and CEO Ed Brady, nearly 90% of graduates from the organization’s military program find jobs, earning an average of more than three times the federal minimum wage.
“We know this model works, and with this important investment from Invitation Homes, we can help more veterans enter the skilled trades every year because the people who served this country deserve a career as strong as their service,” Brady said.
Invitation to SkillUp is Invitation Homes’ national skilled trades development initiative, which works with trade schools and organizations to expand trades education and increase awareness of career opportunities.
Invitation Homes joins other companies supporting HBI’s military programs. The Home Depot Foundation and DEWALT were early supporters, while Google recently provided a $1 million contribution to the effort.
The partnership comes as the housing industry continues to look for ways to strengthen its skilled labor pipeline. For transitioning service members and military families, the effort offers a pathway from military service into construction and housing careers while providing the industry with another source of trained workers.
