Today, local builders, students, instructors and other supporters of the trades celebrated the Washington Home Builders Foundation Construction Trades Training Academy (CTTA) becoming the BuildStrong Academy of Pierce County Powered by HBI.

The celebration occurred as the fourth group of students graduated with their Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training (PACT) certificates from the academy at the Goodwill Milgard Work Opportunity Center in Tacoma.

This change aligns the academy with the nationally recognized BuildStrong Academy network and strengthens its partnership with the Home Builders Institute (HBI), the only provider of residential construction training and education in the country.

“The new BuildStrong Academy of Pierce County Powered by HBI elevates our commitment to building a strong workforce pipeline here in Washington,” said Corey Condron, chair of the Washington Home Builders Foundation. “Students will now gain nationally recognized training and certifications to help them find high-demand, high-paying careers in the skilled trades.”

The BuildStrong Academy of Pierce County powered by HBI is the seventh academy in the BuildStrong network.

“We’re proud to welcome this latest training academy to the BuildStrong family,” said Ed Brady, HBI’s Chief Executive Officer. “The excellent training and certifications they’ve been providing have already been guided by HBI curriculum, now they have officially joined our network.”

The BuildStrong Academy of Pierce County will continue to provide tuition-free training programs, hands-on learning, and direct connections to employers. By joining the BuildStrong network, the academy offers students greater recognition, career mobility, and access to HBI’s industry-standard curriculum.

Founded in 2012 by BIAW, the Washington Home Builders Foundation empowers and inspires the next generation of builders by promoting building-related education and providing academic and career opportunities.

“Together, BIAW and HBI are helping the next generation of builders thrive,” said Al Audette, Director of the Washington Home Builders Foundation.