Are You Hiring? Get Connected.
If you're interested in hiring a student, veteran or returning citizen, complete the form(s) below so we can connect you with candidates.
2025 at a Glance
Skilled to Build Michigan Foundation’s mission is to cultivate, educate, and recruit students, veterans and returning citizens by building awareness and creating career opportunities in the residential construction industry and in 2025, we were busy doing just that.
- Residential Construction Credential Program continued to grow statewide
- 17 schools are currently using the certification program and we expect that number to increase given the success we have seen from our partnership with iCEV. Many thanks to the Alabama HBA for allowing us to use their curriculum and online platform.
- Employer connections and turning outreach and credentials into hires is now the next priority
2026 Priority: Connect Candidates to Employers
In 2026, Skilled to Build has a priority to connect people who are interested in residential construction careers with employers willing to hire. Below are the three talent pathways we are actively working to connect: Students, Veterans and Returning Citizens.
If you are interested in receiving resumes from students veterans and/or returning citizens, click here to complete the form.
Skilled to Build works to educate students in grades 8–12 on opportunities in residential construction and supports a recognized credential for students in construction trades programs. The next step is connecting those credentialed students with employers who will hire and train them.
Tool Starter Kits (for employed, credentialed students) With support from the Charitable & Education Foundation (HBA of Southeast MI) and the Michigan Propane Gas Association, we are working to provide basic starter tool kits for students who earn the credential and become employed with an employer willing to hire a student.
Why It Matters Now
Michigan needs workforce growth in residential construction, both for the long-term pipeline and the immediate need for boots on the ground.
I mean, look at the number of licenses in the state of Michigan. And don’t only look at the number, look at the average age of a builder and the number of licenses in age categories. This snapshot shows why employer connections are a 2026 priority.
Average Age: 56.42 | Median Age: 58
March is Reading Month
In March, Skilled to Build will again partner with legislators and HBAM members for March is Reading Month, with a focus on students in grades K–3. Quantities are limited and will be provided on a first-request basis. The goal is to have orders completed and picked up by the last week of February.
If you are interested in participating, please email Dawn at skilledtobuildmichigan@gmail.com.
Skilled to Build Michigan Foundation Is Hiring
To grow and scale these efforts, Skilled to Build is hiring a part-time Executive Director. We have a generous donor who is willing to fund this position for two years, with the goal that the individual will work with the board to grow the organization and build a donor base that can help sustain the position and programs beyond the initial funding period. The individual should have a background working with non-profits and a board of directors.
If you are interested, or know someone who may be a good fit, please contact Dawn at skilledtobuildmichigan@gmail.com.