The Southern Utah Home Builders Association (SUHBA) is investing in the next generation of workers to help close the construction labor gap. On September 10, 2025, the association hosted its second annual Careers in Construction Day at Career Tech High School in St. George, in partnership with the Washington County School District.
The event drew 400 seventh-grade students from eight schools across the county, giving them hands-on exposure to the wide range of opportunities available in the building trades. More than 35 local exhibitors participated, showcasing careers in construction, engineering, architecture, and related fields. Students tested heavy machinery, tried their hands at carpentry and tool work, and learned about pathways that could lead to high-demand, high-paying careers.
SUHBA, which represents more than 900 businesses across Southern Utah, says it plans to expand the program in coming years to inspire more students and help address what has become one of the state’s most pressing workforce challenges.
SUHBA Board Member and Cedar Pointe Homes President Kaelen Gulbranson told St. George News the need for more tradespeople is urgent.
“Awareness and interest in construction related careers has certainly improved, in part because of the work of SUHBA and others,” Gulbranson said. “However there remains a significant gap between the number of skilled professionals needed and those entering the workforce.”
He added that the shortage is “very serious” and warned that slow market conditions may be hiding the depth of the problem:
“Southern Utah remains one of the fastest growing regions in the state and if workforce shortage concerns aren’t addressed it will certainly limit our ability to meet housing demand. Ultimately, this will further impact long-term affordability. Construction has a major multiplier effect in our local economy, so when trades are short handed, it’s not only felt by builders but by everyone.”
While more students are showing interest, Gulbranson said it is still an uphill climb to fill the pipeline. “SUHBA has been very active and has taken a leading role in promoting the trades through partnerships with local schools, technical programs, and career fairs,” he said. “We’re seeing more and more students showing interest as they are made aware of all the great possibilities in the construction industry.”
The message, he said, is clear: “These careers provide a great living, are fulfilling, and build the community that we all enjoy. There is so much potential in the next generation and they are beginning to respond, but we need to keep pushing awareness and investment in programs that bring young talent into the industry.”
SUHBA Executive Officer Mari Krashowetz agreed the event was critical. “Many companies are struggling to find skilled workers, and a large portion of today’s workforce is nearing retirement,” she said. “Labor shortages directly impact the cost of housing. By showing students these career pathways early, we hope to inspire the next generation of trade workers.”
The initiative is already showing results. Kristi Potter, a 2024 graduate of Career Tech High School, attended the first Careers in Construction Day and connected with JZW Architects. That connection led to her current role with the company, where she is training to become a project manager.
“I absolutely am in love with drafting,” Potter said. “Events like Careers in Construction Day are so much more crucial to professional development than a lot of people may realize.”
With Southern Utah’s population continuing to grow at one of the fastest rates in the state, demand for new housing is climbing. Industry leaders warn that unless more young people pursue the trades, the shortage of skilled labor could make homes even less affordable.
Through programs like Careers in Construction Day, SUHBA is betting that early exposure and education will help turn students’ curiosity into careers, ensuring the region has the skilled workforce it needs for decades to come.
Originally reported by Nick Fiala in St George News.
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