Building Tomorrow’s Skilled Trades Workforce

NKBA Chapters and members throughout the U.S. and Canada are addressing the skilled trades shortage by championing the NKBA NextUp program. The initiative introduces students and adults to promising career paths in the skilled trades within the kitchen and bath industry. Chapters are engaging future professionals and those exploring careers in the kitchen and bath Industry by fostering meaningful relationships. This includes providing scholarships and grants, and hosting career driven events like expert panels, hands on demonstrations, workshops organizing career-focused events such as expert panels, hands-on stations, workshops, facility tours, job shadowing and student competitions. They also collaborate with organizations like the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Skilled Labor Fund (SLF), and local workforce boards to extend their reach by connecting industry leaders with emerging and skilled laborers. NKBA is helping shape a stronger, more sustainable future for the design and remodeling workforce.