Workforce Development

Many of our members have asked, “Where do we find the next generation of skilled laborers, tradespeople, and craftsmen, and women?”

A recent industry statistic says that for every 5 workers retiring or leaving the home remodeling and building trades, only one is replacing them. We already know the impact this is having on businesses locally–finding skilled workers can be a challenge. The labor shortage results in a backlog of work and frustration on the part of homeowners and remodelers.

The PRO New England Chapter is committed to connecting job seekers with good-paying jobs in our industry. We have undertaken the following initiatives to spearhead action on workforce development:

Workforce Development Committee

The Workforce Development Committee is tasked with devising ways we can create opportunities and forge partnerships with technical programs and schools. We evaluate existing channels and discuss ways we can take leadership for workforce development in our region.

Youth Remodeling Career Day

At PRO New England we are committed to growing the remodeling industry workforce. In 2016 we launched the Youth Remodeling Career Day designed to connect high school students studying for a career in construction with the range of opportunities that exist in the remodeling industry. This event is a first step in creating connections with area schools and students as they navigate the career exploration process. The Youth Remodeling Career Day committee is planning this year’s event.

Youth Remodeling Career Day

One of the areas of untapped potential is for women to join the remodeling industry in a variety of positions, from design to carpentry to subcontractor roles. PRO New England hosted its inaugural Women in Remodeling Event with a luncheon and panel discussion in November 2018. Follow-up programming continued throughout 2019 with the annual signature Women’s event planned for each November.

School Partnerships & Internships/Apprenticeships

PRO New England members have forged relationships with local schools. We are in the process of creating programs for the entire chapter which could expand school partnerships and the opportunity to create a wealth of new experiences that showcase the residential remodeling field to students thinking about a career in construction.

Our member GMT Home Designs Inc. recently hosted students from Blackstone Valley Vocational Technical School and had a great time showing them a virtual reality program they use with their clients.

TOOL DONATION TO DURFEE HIGH SCHOOL