Innovative Workforce Solutions Tackle Minnesota’s Construction Industry Talent Shortage, with Building Talent Foundation
Q. What is Building Talent Foundation doing to help address the industry’s talent shortage in Minnesota?
Building Talent Foundation (BTF) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing talent shortages in the residential construction industry through innovative workforce development solutions. BTF was introduced to Minnesota through the generous support of Housing First Minnesota, Lennar Foundation, and some members of Leading Builders of America companies. Here in Minnesota, BTF promotes careers in construction to youth and career changers; connects job seekers to training and employment opportunities, and provides support to industry employers in identifying the best job candidate for their open positions. We organize career events in schools and hiring events with our employer partners, and we engage volunteers across the industry, as role models to the next generation of homebuilders.
Our efforts have been substantial. In Minnesota alone, BTF has organized 24 career events with nonprofit training programs, technical colleges, high schools, and other community/recruiting partners. Additionally, we’ve facilitated nine different soft skills training sessions and engaged over 550 career explorers. These initiatives not only provide valuable opportunities for individuals to explore careers in the skilled trades but also contribute to building a stronger and more resilient workforce in our community. At BTF, we are committed to continuing our efforts to bridge the skills gap and support the growth of the residential construction industry in Minnesota.
Q. What are job seekers looking for with an employer?
Job seekers are primarily looking for employers who offer on-the-job training, talent development, and a safe and positive work environment. These aspects are key priorities for job seekers as they seek opportunities for career growth and fulfillment in the residential construction industry. BTF published the Homebuilding Workforce Engagement Study in 2021 discusses that the key to retention is employee engagement.
Q. What has the response been from employers?
The response from employers has been overwhelmingly positive. They have been actively engaging with BTF daily, utilizing our platform to post open positions on JobsToBuild.com and participating in our hiring events to connect directly with job seekers. The success stories speak for themselves – employers have successfully made hires at no cost to them through BTF. Impressively in Minnesota, not a single job seeker who found employment through BTF has left their employer. This remarkable retention underscores our deep commitment to talent retention and ensuring the right match between employers and job seekers.
Q. How can Housing First Members take advantage of BTF’s programming?
Housing First Members can benefit from BTF programming by utilizing our no-cost resources tailored to address talent shortages in the skilled trades. Builders and remodelers facing pushback from trade partners due to talent shortages should share BTF as a valuable resource. Employers seeking entry-level skilled trades workers can post job openings at no cost on JobsToBuild.com. Additionally, members passionate about workforce development can reach out to Housing First Minnesota to join a workforce committee or speaker’s bureau for engagement opportunities with youth and career changers.
