CA Has A Labor Shortage Problem; Home Depot Wants To Solve It

MARINA DEL REY, CA — A skilled construction labor shortage is one of the limiting factors currently hitting the housing inventory and affordability in California, according to the Home Builders Institute (HBI) Fall 2021 Construction Labor Market Report. The Home Depot is now launching a program to offer job training as a solution to the problem.

In the Golden State, 46 percent of contractors are currently experiencing project delays due to labor shortages, according to the 2021 Workforce Survey California Results from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and Autodesk Construction Cloud.

The Home Depot is launching the Path to Pro skills program across the state, which offers free job training and access to a new networking platform for people who want to start a career in the skilled trades.

The program focuses on creating a platform for people who want to grow their expertise in carpentry, electrical, plumbing and HVAC. It teaches the basics of the residential remodeling industry, Jenna Arca, Director of Workforce Development at The Home Depot told Patch.

It also helps workers find a job that is best for them, how to grow and develop their career, get resume and interview help from experts and learn the safety standards and material handling best practices.

"The Path to Pro skills program is designed to help participants land a job," Arca said. "After you complete all the requirements, you’ll get an invitation to create your profile in The Home Depot’s Path to Pro Network – our online networking tool – that provides potential California employers access to candidate credentials and jobseekers exclusive access to open roles, allowing you to connect directly with Home Depot Pro customers looking for skilled hires in California."

People can also apply directly to jobs using the network to find opportunities. The main goal of the program is to give people the necessary training to secure entry-level positions.

"We offer classes daily, and you can sign up for times that best fit your schedule," Arca said. "A mix of virtual self-paced and instructor-led classes include training on job site safety, navigating tools, construction materials, team building and communication skills – preparing students for their first day on the job."

Path to Pro is free and open to all people ages 18 or older with access to the internet.

People who are interested in the program can register online at PathtoPro.com/Free-Training and learn more about careers in the trades.