Lennar Foundation Forms New Alliance with BTF

BTF Receives Largest-Ever Contribution from the Lennar Foundation to Accelerate Replication of its Validated Program Models to New Markets

BTF is pleased to announce a collaboration with the Lennar Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Lennar Corporation, America’s largest homebuilder. The organizations will work together to empower unemployed at-risk youth and adults with barriers to employment to acquire highly sought-after job skills and find career opportunities in the construction industry.

Over two years, the Lennar Foundation's substantial investment of $2 million will accelerate progress toward the organizations' mutual goals.

BTF and SkillPointe Foundation Partner to Help Skilled Trades Job Seekers

BTF Engagement Managers will help SkillPointe Scholarship Recipients Find Employment and Coach Them to Success in Their New Careers

In recent years, a skilled talent shortage has plagued the construction industry. Some organizations suggest the deficit has become a crisis, especially given the coming infusion of federal infrastructure funds and the growing need for workers.

To help individuals of all backgrounds benefit from these opportunities and prepare the industry to meet increased demands, the SkillPointe Foundation and Building Talent Foundation (BTF) have partnered to help develop, place, and support skilled construction industry workers.

Former Retail Employee Finds New Construction Career Through BTF's Network and Increases Income by 36%

When Onix Quintero and his wife moved to Florida from Puerto Rico, he spoke no English, limiting his immediate career prospects. Wanting to help the ambitious man find a better career, a network of churches offering workforce development referred Onix to BTF. 

After getting to know Onix, BTF matched him with an opportunity at Carpenter Contractors of America. 

BTF and Simpson Strong-Tie Introduce High School Students to Career Pathways in the Trades

At a virtual event this past October, BTF worked closely with Simpson Strong-Tie to connect Dallas Independent School District students – and potential future tradespeople – with top industry leaders. The event included presentations, videos, product demonstrations, and a question-and-answer session. 

Simpson Strong-Tie presenters shared personal stories of their professional journeys, from entry-level trainees to skilled tradespeople working as department heads and mentors for the next generation.

Former Bartender Finds Flexible Schedule, Steady Income with BTF’s Online Career Board

Raymond Buhay, a career bartender, was tired of the bar atmosphere. He wanted a reliable new career offering a steady, family-friendly schedule and advancement opportunities. 

After a BTF presentation, he registered on JobsToBuild.com and found an opportunity with HOUK Air Conditioning. Today, Raymond is thriving in his new career.

Your Industry Insights

Q4 Deals: Lennar Lands Carolina Coastal Stalwart Realstar Homes

The homebuilding mergers and acquisitions spree of 2021 barrels into the fourth quarter, with news of a relatively minor deal on paper. The transaction says a lot about where land, talent, and capability acquisition are headed in a hyper-energized deal context.

Manufactured Home Construction projected to Hit a 15-year High

According to the Census Bureau, the Wall Street Journal reports that home manufacturers will deliver more than 100,000 new homes for the first time since 2006.

Home Front by Duff Rubin: Florida Remains a Strong Market for New Construction

We are experiencing one of the most exciting – and challenging – times in housing market history. Between increased national demand by homebuyers, the demand from historically low mortgage rates, and rising equities, the residential real estate market now flourishes in new ways following the uncertainty of the pandemic.

Around the House: Builders Reduce New Home Options to Streamline Construction

America’s supply chain capacity problems and angst in foreign trade, along with continued COVID-19 spikes, have combined to suppress mill and manufacturing capacity for two million housing starts.

Over 450 More Homes Planned for McCordsville, Indiana, by Pulte Homes

Seven of the 10 top Homebuilding companies of 2021 are a part of Building Talent Foundation’s founding partners. Congratulations on this accomplishment in the midst of America’s housing boom!

M/I Homes Plans for More than 400 Homes in Winter Garden, Florida

The rapidly shrinking construction workforce exposes both a glaring threat and an enormous potential for transformative growth. Can the data drive action?

Monday Morning Thoughts: Housing Crisis Falls Heavily on Lower-Income Households

In Metro Phoenix, single-family home construction jumped 42% between June 2020 and June 2021. Tucson saw an even bigger increase, with single-family home construction jumping 46% between June 2020 and June 2021.

Tri Pointe Homes Sweeps 2021 Silver Nugget Awards

Addressing the skilled labor shortage means attracting more workers and diversifying outreach. Adding more women to the construction workforce presents an opportunity for the industry, says the National Association of Home Builders.

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