Norbord Kicks Off Thank-a-Framer Campaign With $100k Donation To HBI

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Aug 30, 2017, 10:10 ET

WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As the Thank-a-Framer campaign kicks off, HBI is able to expand its construction training programs to prepare students for careers in the industry thanks to Norbord's $100,000 donation. The funds will support HBI's Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training programs that prepare underserved populations across the United States for jobs in the industry.

The Thank-a-Framer campaign begins September 1 and gives other donors the opportunity to contribute to HBI's programs that not only help change the lives of individuals, but also prepare a workforce to reduce the shortage of trained workers in the industry. The National Association of Home Builders reports that over 70 percent of builders say they need framers and nearly 80 percent need carpenters, which has helped create more than 200,000 constructions jobs this year. The Thank-a-Framer campaign calls attention to this need and shows appreciation for current and future framers.

"HBI is ready to take the lead and/or work with others to help solve the labor shortage," said HBI President and CEO John Courson. "As a leading global manufacturer of wood-based panels, Norbord has graciously taken a huge step to support our programs that prepares a workforce ready to begin employment in the industry."

HBI celebrates 50 years of career technical training in the building industry this year. Each year, approximately 8,500 students are trained through its programs. In addition, HBI's curriculum is licensed to nearly 150 partners nationwide.

Norbord is encouraging individuals and other industry leaders to recognize the contributions from framers by participating in the Thank-a-Framer campaign.

"The need for more skilled labor has reached a critical point in the building industry. We are excited to be a partner in Norbord's Thank-a-Framer campaign, which I believe will help close the skills labor gap as HBI continues to train students in the industry," Courson stressed.

Visit www.thankaframer.com to donate to HBI, learn more about the campaign and spread the word on social media using #ThankAFramer.

About HBI
HBI is a national nonprofit that provides training, curriculum development and job placement services for the building industry. With job placement rates at over 80 percent for graduates, HBI training programs are taught in local communities across the country to at-risk youth, veterans, transitioning military members, justice-involved youth and adults, and displaced workers. Visit www.hbi.org for more information.

Contact:
Lynne Harris
202-603-1183
[email protected]

SOURCE The Home Builders Institute