Find a Career You Wouldn’t Trade
Learn more about our hands-on approach to getting more young adults involved in the trades.
Welcome to the HBTF
Our foundation sponsors programs and activities for the benefit and enlightenment of the public that focuses on trade careers related to home building.
Our New Programs
We are excited to announce our new programs that will connect students with professionals in the trades. Learn more about how these programs will benefit students, and how you can help.
Thank you for your support
We are grateful for our partners who have joined us as we work to bring more young people into the home building trades. Please support our efforts either through your cash donations or volunteering your time.
"The reason I am involved with this program is my shared passion for the building and construction industry. Gen Z is the future of homebuilding!"
- Brad Herda, HBTF Board Member
Within a few weeks of getting set up with the job shadowing program, we were introduced to several people interested in our field of work - HVAC. Our very first shadow, a burned out healthcare technician, arrived eager and excited to help. He even stayed after hours with our team to make sure the project was finished! He made such a positive impact on our team that TWO WEEKS after his shadow day, we hired him as our newest employee! After his first day of work, his exact words were: “I’m so glad I made this decision. I can’t wait to come back to work tomorrow!” Needless to say, the job shadowing program is a huge win for employers, and people looking to get into the trades!
-Danny Crespin, General Manager, LB Heating
"Thank you so much for getting me connected with the job shadows. The interview with LB heating went very well and I landed an apprenticeship with them. I’m a week in and I love it. Thank you so much for all your help. You truly helped me more than you will ever know. I feel like I’m where I belong."
-Student Participant from Job Shadow Program
"Thank you for such an amazing experience you provided for students today! It was so great to see them engaged and asking questions! They truly enjoyed it, and already asked when we can "do that again!""
-Katie, Special Education Transition Coordinator, Greendale High School
"Thank you so much for putting on such a great event, Julie! Our teachers and students who have been a part of many different trades related events told me this was the best one they have ever been to."
- Chris, Work-Based Learning Coordinator, School District of South Milwaukee
How You Can Help
Interested in how you can make a difference? We have committees, events, and funding partnership opportunities available, and we would love for you to take part.