The U.S. Department of Labor awarded a grant of nearly $4.3 million to the Home Builders Institute to recruit, educate and train about 2,500 high school students, and current and displaced workers for careers in the construction industry. Through the grant, HBI and its partners will establish an associates degree or equivalent credential that addresses the skills needed in residential construction. Ten construction trade academies will be created across the country to offer training in plumbing, heating, air conditioning, carpentry and electrical crafts. The program products and educational tools will be sent to community colleges and vocational schools for replication nationwide.