Grant will help more transitioning service members move into skilled trades careers

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Home Builders Institute (HBI), a national nonprofit that trains, certifies, and places students in careers in the skilled trades, today announced it has received a grant from Google.org to expand training for transitioning military service members, veterans, military spouses and family members. HBI is one of three organizations receiving a grant from Google.org, alongside Hiring Our Heroes and Student Veterans of America (SVA). Google announced the grants today as part of their ongoing commitment to the skilled trades and veterans: Helping 25,000 veterans and military families build careers in skilled trades. .

Ed Brady, President and CEO of Home Builders Institute said, “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. 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.”

HBI’s Military Services program offers tuition-free, 12-week skilled trades training through the Department of Defense SkillBridge program at 10 sites on or near military installations, including Camp Pendleton, Fort Bragg and Fort Hood. Participants learn carpentry and electrical work, earn industry-recognized certifications and receive job placement support. Google.org’s support will help HBI 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,” said Shanika Hope, Director of Google.org. “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.”

The investment also comes at a time of real need for the industry. HBI research shows the skilled-labor shortage costs the economy about $10.8 billion a year and it is estimated that builders need more than 700,000 additional workers each year to keep pace with demand. HBI Military Services graduates earn average starting wages of more than $23 an hour, and those programs have posted an 87% job-placement rate.

Service members, veterans and military families interested in HBI’s Military Services program can learn more at hbi.org/military or contact military@hbi.org.

Individuals or organizations interested in funding or partnership opportunities to change more lives through skilled trades training, reach out to Meredith Darche, HBI’s Head of Development at mdarche@hbi.org.

About Home Builders Institute

HBI (Home Builders Institute) is the nation’s leading nonprofit provider of hands on, skilled trades training for the construction industry. Through the organization’s industry-recognized curriculum, HBI trains in a variety of skills including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, building construction technology, HVAC, and masonry. In programs across the country, HBI provides pre-apprenticeship training and certification programs. The goals for all HBI programs is to train, credential and place students in industry-related employment or post-secondary education. For more information, visit hbi.org.

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SOURCE Home Builders Institute (HBI)