Whether you’re a student preparing to enter the workforce, an adult considering a new direction or helping to guide a young person, deciding what comes next can feel overwhelming. Career and Technical Education (CTE) offers a rewarding path forward toward hands-on skill development and meaningful long-term careers.
Every February, PBA and the entire residential construction industry celebrate CTE Month, a time to spotlight the educational and training opportunities available nationwide. CTE programs prepare students from early education through college, as well as adults, for high-wage, in-demand careers. For those interested in the skilled trades or helping others explore their options, there are many reasons to explore a CTE pathway.
Enjoy Promising Career Prospects. A substantial portion of the construction labor force is nearing retirement age (14%), according to NAHB analysis. This means promising job prospects for CTE-trained professionals entering the industry in the next few years. But there’s also plenty of openings now, as there were 292,000 open construction jobs nationwide in November 2025. There are great opportunities for individuals to break into the industry and advance as they gain experience.
Earn While You Learn. Many people are taking on enormous debt to pay for four-year college degrees, but a traditional college path isn’t for everyone. During the 2023-24 school year, nearly half of bachelor’s degree recipients from public and private nonprofit four-year colleges and universities graduated with debt (47%). They had an average debt level of $29,560, according to the College Board’s Trends in Student Aid 2025 report. Technical education offers an alternative track without the burden of tremendous debt. Numerous “earn while you learn” apprenticeships are also available, so you often don’t have to complete a training program before you start earning a paycheck.
Escape the usual 9 to 5. Professionals in the trades are problem solvers and critical thinkers, and every day has new challenges that are an ideal match for any CTE-trained individual. Critical thinkers and detail-oriented individuals often excel as carpenters in residential construction, ensuring materials and measurements are exact. While individuals with exceptional analytical skills often succeed as expert electricians and plumbers, with the top 25% of these earners making nearly $82,000 per year. In fact, half of payroll construction workers earn more than $60,320, compared to the U.S. median annual pay of $49,500.
Trades are for Everyone. More women across the country are joining the residential construction industry than ever before for fulfilling full-time careers. According to NAHB analysis, the number of women employed in the construction industry reached a record 1.34 million in 2024. Women still only comprise about 11% of the construction workforce, but the number is rising and a growing support network exists. NAHB’s Professional Women in Building Council offers a variety of professional 
development and networking opportunities to help women grow throughout their careers.
For more information on educational opportunities or potential careers in your area, contact your local home builders association HERE or check out the PBA Endorsed Trade Program HERE.