The Labor Shortage Isn’t Just a Construction Problem, It’s a Community Problem
A new national study conducted by the University of Denver for the Home Builders Institute (HBI) and supported by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) makes one thing clear:
The skilled labor shortage is holding back the entire housing industry and costing the U.S. economy billions of dollars every year.
Their research estimates that nearly 19,000 single-family homes won’t be built this year due to the labor shortage. That’s a loss of over $10.8 billion in economic output. Construction delays, higher carrying costs, and an overstretched workforce are all fueling a crisis that impacts everything from housing affordability to job creation.
But here’s the thing: we don’t have to wait for a national solution. We can and are doing something about it right here in York County.
What the Numbers Tell Us
The report’s findings are startling:
- $10.806 billion in lost economic output due to construction delays
- $2.663 billion in additional carrying costs from slower build times
- Nearly 19,000 homes not built in 2024 due to lack of skilled labor
- An average increase of 1.98 months per home in build time
- Small builders are hit hardest, with even longer delays
This isn’t about future projections. This is happening now—and it’s affecting businesses, homeowners, and entire communities.
How It Hits Home in York County
Here in York County, we’re seeing the same challenges:
- Builders struggling to find reliable talent
- Projects delayed due to labor shortages
- Young people unsure how to start a career in the trades
- A lack of awareness about the real opportunities that exist in construction
That’s why the YBA Workforce NOW Foundation was created. We’re not just talking about the problem. we’re actively solving it.
Our Response: Building a Pipeline of Skilled Talent
The YBA Workforce NOW Foundation® is helping York County build its own local solution to the skilled labor crisis. Here’s how:
Hands-On Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
We offer training for high school juniors and seniors through our Pennsylvania State Registered Pre-Apprenticeship Program, giving students real-world exposure to carpentry, electrical, HVAC, and more.
Career Exploration Events
Our Construction Career Day Events and annual Building Trades Career Fair help students understand the career possibilities and meet potential employers right here in York County, many of whom are facing this workforce gap firsthand.
Connections With Local Employers
Through partnerships with York County companies, we help students get jobsite experience, mentorship, and a clearer pathway to employment after graduation.
Scholarship & Support
We award trades scholarships and tools scholarships and provide resources to help young people transition into registered apprenticeship programs and meaningful careers.
Why This Matters—for All of Us
When we don’t have enough skilled tradespeople, everyone pays the price:
- Homebuyers face longer wait times and higher costs
- Builders lose revenue and growth opportunities
- Communities suffer from stalled projects and lost economic potential
But when we invest in local talent, we build more than homes, we build a stronger economy and a brighter future.
Join the Solution
Whether you’re a parent, employer, educator, or student, you have a role to play in closing the skills gap.
Employers: Partner with us to mentor students, host site visits, or provide sponsorship support.
Parents & Educators: Help your students explore rewarding careers that don’t require college debt.
Students: Start building your future now, with training that leads to real jobs and real success.
Final Thought
The skilled labor shortage is costing us time, money, and momentum. But in York County, we’re not waiting for change, we’re making it happen.
Be part of the solution. Support the YBA Workforce NOW Foundation.
