Careers in Construction
Our local housing industry offers multiple opportunities for rewarding careers in construction. Whether building homes or remodeling them, there is always a need for skilled tradespeople in Western North Carolina.
The Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains workforce initiatives provide a pathway to build a strong pool of skilled tradespeople and laborers in the region. Through community and school partnerships, we support education and training programs that increase construction career awareness.
Home / For Members /
Careers
A dedicated team of BABRM member volunteers work closely with community leaders, the local workforce development board, high schools, trade schools, and other organizations to reduce the skilled labor shortage in the home building industry in Buncombe, Madison, Transylvania, and Henderson counties. This committee takes an active role in promoting and growing awareness of skilled trades and careers in construction.
Building Workforce, Building Community, Building Lives
Explore Careers in Construction
The home building industry offers more than just another job. You can find a rewarding career and earn a great salary! To get there, you don’t have to follow the traditional college path. Trade schools such as Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and other certification programs are great ways to get started. Visit NAHB partner Home Builders Institute to learn more.
Rewarding Careers in
Construction Related Fields
Per Year
$44,200
Carpentry
Per Year
$54,590
Electrical
Per Year
$49,380
HVAC
Per Year
$68,630
Masonry
Per Year
$39,620
Painting
Per Year
$49,210
Plumbing
Building Awareness in our Local Community
To create more awareness of construction careers, BABRM previously hosted an annual Playhouse Showdown competition. While currently paused, the competition offered local high school students a real-world collaborative project to build a playhouse and has inspired many competitors to consider a future in the trades. Plans to reignite the Playhouse Showdown are underway.
In this unique competition, students from participating schools collaborated to build a 6′ x 8′ themed playhouses. Each participating school formed a team comprised of students who were studying drafting, carpentry, interior design, or marketing. Teams worked within specified parameters and demonstrated creativity in design and problem solving. BABRM members proudly donated all building materials and offered guidance throughout the project.
Completed playhouses were on display for the community to see first-hand at BABRM’s Build and Remodel Expo each February. Students won awards in the categories of Best in Show and Viewer’s Choice. These outstanding playhouses were then raffled off to lucky winners who purchased raffle tickets at the expo. All raffle ticket sales proceeds and other funds raised directly benefited the area high schools’ career and technical education programs.
Education Scholarships
For years, the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains has offered an annual scholarship program through the BABRM Education Foundation. Scholarships have made it possible for many students to pursue a career in the home building industry. To apply for an Education Foundation scholarship, Click here.
Education Foundation Scholarships
Learn about previous scholarship recipients:
NAHB Scholarship Programs
The North Carolina Home Builders Education Foundation, Inc. awards scholarships based on a combination of need and merit. Those eligible include four-year college students entering their junior or senior year, and technical school students who have declared their major in a construction-related field and are entering their second year. Applicants must be immediate family members of NCHBA member firms. Read about eligibility criteria and application information.
Affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders, additional scholarships and resources are available through the National Housing Endowment. Visit their scholarships and grants web page to learn more about the various opportunities available specifically for college students who are studying residential construction and the trades.
Have questions?
Have questions or want to get involved? Contact a member of the BABRM staff today.
Related News
Essential Dos and Don’ts for Effective Mold Remediation
BABRM Members and Staff Win 34 NCHBA 2024 STARS Awards
Builders Association Mobilizes to Help Industry Recover
A Heartfelt Afternoon at Strings of Hope
*Interested in promoting your business? Learn more here
Our Sponsors Make it Possible
