Preparing High School Students for Careers in Skilled Trades
Empowering the Next Generation for Careers
in the Skilled Trades
Building Pathways.
Building Futures.
Launched locally in Northeast Ohio in 2023, the Home Builders Institute (HBI) Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) program is transforming how high school students connect with real-world construction careers. What began with just six students at Mayfield High has grown into a thriving initiative with 130+ students across five high schools.
Closing the Skills Gap, One Student at a Time
Why PACT Matters
Ohio—and the nation—is facing a critical shortage of skilled construction workers, with 439,000 needed nationally by 2025. Traditional vocational schools can’t meet the demand alone. That’s where PACT steps in—bringing trade training directly into high schools.
Hands-On Training That Opens Doors
What PACT Offers
No Startup Costs
Build Trades covers the program expenses for the local high school.
Hands-On Experience
Students gain real-world experience through field trips and internships with local companies.
Industry-Relevant Training
Students can explore nine trades including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, masonry, landscaping, painting, green building, and building construction technology.
Real Skills. Real Jobs. Real Impact.
PACT is more than a training program—it’s a launch pad for lifelong careers. Students graduate with a pre-apprenticeship certificate, making them highly attractive to employers seeking candidates with practical experience.
Community-Driven Growth
By fostering partnerships between local businesses, schools, and community organizations, PACT ensures students receive the most relevant training and job placement opportunities. These careers are local, allowing students to stay in their communities and contribute to the economic fabric of their towns.