The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) remains committed to providing support for initiatives that speak to the growing need for skilled labor in all segments of the residential design and construction industry. At this year’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), the association has created a forum for numerous panels, tours and events that shine a light on the need to develop programs to help train and develop anyone interested in a career in the industry.
“The NKBA is striving to build awareness about the plentiful, lucrative opportunities within our industry, and provide the next generation of kitchen and bath professionals with knowledge surrounding skilled-labor careers,” said NKBA CEO Bill Darcy. “Our all-industry association celebrates the opportunity to pursue a multitude of paths in design, showroom sales, skilled labor and more.”
NKBA “NextUp” Panel and KBIS Tours
On Thursday, Feb. 21, the NKBA will host 150 high school students from Las Vegas-area high schools for a half-day program that will include the sharing of stories and journeys of residential design and construction professionals. The event includes a panel discussion, led by Karl Champley, an Australian master builder, television personality and currently appearing on Ellen’s Design Challenge. Other participants will include This Old House (TOH) contractor Jeff Sweenor and TOH TV Jamestown Project House apprentice Kevin Barker, plus other industry pros who have chosen a trade career path over attending a traditional four-year college or university program.
“As an industry professional who took a different path to a successful career in this industry, the NextUp initiative is near and dear to my heart. Facilitating conversations between the panelists and students is a win-win,” said Suzie Williford, chief strategy officer and executive vice president of industry relations for the NKBA.
Following the panel, students will meet NKBA executives and practicing designers, tradespeople and other industry professionals while touring the KBIS show floor. Each panelist will guide 15 students around the show, introducing them to the products, programs, people and technologies that are changing the face of the business.
This Old House and NKBA “Cheers for Trade Careers: Skilled Labor Panel Discussion”
The NKBA, This Old House and the Skilled Labor Fund have teamed up again to honor the industry’s mission to inform brands, channels and educators about the numerous paths to success that are alternatives to traditional university/college options. The “Cheers for Trade Careers: Skilled Labor Panel Discussion” takes place on Tuesday, Feb. 19, from 3 – 4:00 p.m. at the KBISNeXT Stage. This Old House heating and plumbing expert Richard Trethewey will moderate. The discussion will feature a diverse panel who will be sharing their experiences on how the industry can get involved to address the skilled-labor shortage.
Panelists include Norm Abram, This Old House master carpenter; Jeff Sweenor, This Old House contractor, Rhode Island Builder of the Year, and NAHB Custom Builder of the Year nominee; Kate Campbell, contractor and host of HGTV’s Custom Builder and founder of Build Women Up; Nathan Gilbert, former This Old House apprentice and the newest member of the Ask This Old House crew; and Jonathan Cheever, journeyman plumber, American Standard spokesman and Olympic and World Cup medalist snowboarder.
