The Schools to Skills grant, now open from the Home Builders Institute (HBI), is a valuable opportunity for high schools across the U.S. to strengthen trades programs with essential resources. Through December 20, 2024, schools can apply to receive HBI’s Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) curriculum for a two-year, no-cost period.
The grant includes student and instructor materials, assessments, and specialized training for educators, preparing students for well-paying roles in construction and building trades. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, PACT covers core competencies and practical skills, encouraging hands-on learning in carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, and more.
About the PACT program
The PACT program provides students with industry-endorsed skills and gives educators the tools to deliver quality training. With a nationwide shortage of skilled labor, particularly in construction, this grant holds high significance. For many students, the chance to learn real-world trades in high school can be a pathway to financial stability and career success without requiring a college degree.
Schools without established trades programs can use this grant to build one from the ground up, while those with existing programs can gain the resources to enhance quality and reach. By helping schools better prepare students, the grant ultimately supports an industry vital to housing and infrastructure across the country.
HBI’s Schools to Skills grant ensures students gain the technical abilities, problem-solving skills, and work readiness to excel in a professional environment. Providing detailed assessments also helps educators gauge and track students’ progress, reinforcing their readiness to step into industry roles confidently. The grant prioritizes schools in communities where access to such career training may be limited or underserved.
As HBI points out, there’s a significant demand for younger professionals to join the trades, with construction positions needing to be filled by the thousands to meet current and future demands. Supporting high school programs is a direct way to ensure students have the skills that align with industry standards, giving them an advantage as they enter the workforce.
Schools across the U.S. are eligible to apply, but the selection process is competitive. The emphasis is on schools that show a commitment to implementing the full curriculum and a genuine need for trades training resources. While not every school will receive the grant, those that do will gain a substantial boost in their capacity to provide high-quality construction education, which can make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.
Schools interested in applying should complete the application before the December deadline and clearly outline how the PACT curriculum aligns with their goals and community needs.
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