Nation's Building News Online

Plain Text Version (Click Here for Graphical Version)

Sponsored by Countrywide Home Loans National Builder Division
and 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

www.NAHB.org
Week of December 15, 2003

Front Page

President's Message

* 2003 – A Year to Remember

Housing Politics

* ‘American Dream Downpayment Act’ to Increase Housing Opportunities
* HUD Secretary Martinez Resigns to Run for Senate
* Jackson Nominated as Housing and Urban Development Secretary

Multifamily

* FHA Multifamily Mortgage Insurance Receives Another Reprieve in Congress
* NAHB Hits the Target on All of Its FHA Multifamily Legislative Goals
* Managing Property Like a Pro

Business Management

* Protecting Yourself From Fraud: An Introduction

Seniors Housing

* Rental Apartments for All Ages Are Competition to Seniors Housing

Sales and Marketing

* Model Merchandising and the Sales Manager: Character Counts

Building Green

* National Green Building Awards Applications Due by Dec. 31

Small Builders and Remodelers

* Market Index Finds Home Remodeling Strong in Third Quarter

Housing Finance

* Senate Confirmation of Federal Housing Finance Board Director Applauded

Labor

* HBI Construction Academy Sees Spectacular Rise

Builders' Show

* Final Registration and Housing Deadline for IBS Is Dec. 17
* Learn About the Growing 50+ Market
* Alternative Construction Methods Take Center Stage
* Interactive Convention Session Focuses on Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations
* Show Activities Focus on Access Mexico and International Housing Opportunities
* Breakfast Honors the NAHB Associate of the Year
* Housing Industry Champions to Be Honored at Awards Breakfast
* Education Programs Geared to Small Builders and Remodelers
* OnSite Area the Place to Find How NAHB Membership Works For You
* Look for the Big Store at the Big Show
* Education Sessions and Exhibits Geared to Multifamily Builders
* Education Session to Highlight Advance of Zero Energy Home
* Walt Disney Imagineering Executive to Keynote EnergyValue Housing Award

Building News Coast To Coast

Association News & Events

* One Home at a Time, Mississippi Builder Putting Working Families on the Road to the American Dream
* Research Center Co-Founder Ralph Johnson Dies
* Find the Right NAHB Staff Faster Than Ever Online
* Calendar of Events

NBN Back Issues

 

HBI Construction Academy Sees Spectacular Rise

In just two years, the Home Builders Institute's (HBI) Residential Construction Academy (RCA) has made dramatic strides toward bridging a growing skills gap within the home building industry.

Teaching the Right Thing

The academy is becoming known as a leading developer of educational materials and programs based on national skill training standards that HBI and members of NAHB worked to establish in five construction trades. These guidelines are aimed at closing a disturbing gap between what many trade students are learning and what industry members expect from their entry-level workforce.

Standards for carpentry, electrical, plumbing and HVAC have been completed; the final set of standards, for facilities maintenance, will be ready early next year.

The Proper Training Resources

The Residential Construction Academy Series (RCA Series) sets a new standard for residential construction materials. An HBI partnership with educational publisher Thomson-Delmar Learning resulted in the development of state-of-the-art, cutting-edge resources based on the skills training standards set by the industry. Used largely by high schools and post-secondary schools, the RCA Series offers:


Sponsored by: Countrywide Home Loans

Discover how our affiliate LandSafe® can provide high-value-added real estate closing services.
See how Countrywide's 80/20 Loan Program eliminates down payment requirements for qualified borrowers.

  • Four-color, fully illustrated textbooks and instructor guides in Carpentry, Electrical Principles and House Wiring.
  • Eight 20-minute videos for each text and a CD-ROM featuring hands-on demonstrations.
  • Program credentialing for educational institutions and training programs using the RCA Series. There are currently credentialed programs in 12 states.
  • A national registry for students who have successfully completed instruction through a credentialed institution.

Materials on HVAC, Plumbing and Facilities Maintenance will be added next year. Basic Principles for Construction, a companion text that has just been published, is an introduction to the series covering such areas as careers, the workplace and math and communications skills. RCA Series materials are available through BuilderBooks.com.

A Designation for Residential Construction Superintendents

The RCA program also includes a Residential Construction Superintendent designation. Geared toward entry-level field superintendents as well as current site personnel, the RCS or Super Series is a set of eight courses on subjects NAHB members identified as critical to a field supervisory job. Offered through state and local home builders associations and at national and regional trade shows, the courses are taught by HBI-approved instructors, many of whom are well-known industry leaders.

The eight courses are:

  • General Project Management
  • Planning and Scheduling
  • Budget Management and Cost Control
  • Customer Service and Home Owner Relations
  • Safety and Security
  • Codes and Quality Control
  • Hiring, Training and Supervision
  • Office and Subcontractor Relations

In just one year, more than 1,300 people attended Super Series courses.

“This training is crucial to the effectiveness of site superintendents in managing a work-site,” said Bruce Harrell, CEO of HBW Insurance Services, a warranty insurance provider to the home building industry.

“Site superintendents are key players in effectively managing risk,” he said. "They are the frontline of defense in your risk management program, as they oversee construction quality and enforce job-site safety procedures. Training is key for this critical role in the home building process."

At press time, Super Series courses for 2004 are scheduled at nine locations in Florida, California, Michigan, Georgia and Connecticut. Twenty-six courses are on the roster for the first quarter of the year, with new locations in Virginia and Illinois.

For further information, e-mail Steve Kramer at HBI or call him at 800-795-7955 x8925.
[ Go to Top ]


Sponsored by: 2-10 Home Buyer's Warranty

Need to Buy General Liability Insurance?
Confused about Subcontractor Agreements?
Structural Defects, Can They Happen to You?
Building A Better Business Through Education?

To unsubscribe or to manage your subscription, CLICK HERE

Nation's Building News Online is produced and distributed by the National Association of Home Builders