BTF has expanded into California – one of the largest, most important homebuilding markets in the world – with the help of some key partners.
Two well-established and respected organizations are helping BTF gain a foothold in The Golden State. North State Building Industry Foundation (NSBIF) and California Homebuilding Foundation (CHF) are partnering with BTF to help us expand our mission of creating a sustainable workforce.
By establishing a presence in California, BTF is not only widening its footprint, but gaining a foothold in one of the largest, most important homebuilding markets in the world.
If it were a separate country, California would be the fourth largest economy in the world. Home to nearly 40 million people, the state is in desperate need of new homes. State housing officials have set a goal of building 2.5 million new homes by 2030.
That ambitious goal magnifies the talent shortage facing the homebuilding industry and makes the task of building a sustainable workforce even more important.
Critical Partners
NSBIF has been working to address the construction talent shortage since 2007. They enjoy tremendous support and respect and support from builders, employers, schools and training programs in Northern California. Their partnership will be invaluable in helping BTF establish relationships with those key partners.
Rick Larkey, a technical advisor to the NSBIF, is also an advisor to BTF and was instrumental in establishing the partnership.
With over four decades of philanthropic experience, CHF is the leading statewide non-profit organization focused on guiding students to careers in homebuilding. They distribute scholarships and conduct industry research, as well as provide hands-on construction training through their Donald Chaiken Building Industry Technology Academy (BITA). Impacting over 6,000 students annually in 50 California high schools, BITA is a Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway program, approved by the University of California under the elective subject requirement.
BTF is working closely with both organizations, collaborating on initiatives that promote careers in construction, connect young people with training programs, and connect job seekers with employers looking for talent.
As in all other markets where BTF operates, a dedicated Engagement Manager is a critical component. BTF’s first California-based Engagement Manager is Elon Randolph.
New Engagement Manager
Based on Sacramento, Elon has over 20 years of recruitment management experience, including supporting companies in the skilled trades. He has worked directly with trade school instructors, job seekers, and employers, helping to get young people involved in training programs and, ultimately into careers.
Both CHF and NSBIF have been instrumental in helping Elon establish relationships with builders and trade employers in Sacramento and the surrounding areas. The partnership with those organizations has helped him, and BTF, get off to a fast start. With the help of NSBIF and CHF, Elon has participated in several career fairs, expos, and other events, where he has met with employers, job seekers and students.
By establishing this momentum so quickly, Elon expects to be making an impact on the industry – and on people’s lives – in the near future.
And that’s just the beginning. In 2023, BTF will be expanding to Southern California and throughout the state, helping to address the severe talent shortage in one of the largest homebuilding markets in the world.