In the midst of disaster response operations from Alaska to Jamaica, Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster-relief organization, is celebrating milestones in a new area of impact: the skilled trades. Its Workforce Development Program (WFD), launched in partnership with the Home Builders Institute’s (HBI) BuildStrong Academy, recently held a graduation ceremony for its first group of students who completed the nine-week pilot in Orlando, Fla.

The WFD pilot program addresses the national shortage of credentialed contractors and the growing need for resilient building practices—especially in communities vulnerable to natural hazards like hurricanes. By combining Team Rubicon’s disaster response expertise with HBI’s industry-leading training, the program delivers hands-on learning that prepares participants for real-world impact. Students, veterans, and civilians alike participated in the tuition-free program and graduated with the Home Builders Institute’s Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT), an industry-recognized credential for the construction sector.

Team Rubicon launched the Workforce Development Program because communities across the country are facing two converging challenges: a growing shortage of credentialed skilled-trade professionals and an equally growing demand for resilient construction in the face of more frequent and more severe disasters.

Students learn about safety equipment. Photo by Seth Trouborst, courtesy of Team Rubicon. 

“As a disaster-response organization, we see firsthand how the lack of qualified labor slows recovery and increases vulnerability,” said Workforce Development Manager Eric Knapp. “Workforce development is our proactive way of strengthening the front end of the disaster cycle—equipping people with skills that reduce risk before storms hit and accelerate rebuilding after they do.”

The urgency is clear: communities can’t afford to wait for the next disaster to realize they need more trained workers. The program is building that capacity now.

The initiative expands the pipeline of trained, job-ready workers equipped with hands-on experience in resilient carpentry, roofing, and fortified construction methods. Graduates leave with industry-recognized credentials, familiarity with tools, safety training, and real-world practice components that meet the FORTIFIED standard.

By preparing workers who understand both traditional construction and disaster-resilient building techniques, the program helps reduce contractor shortages while building community resilience through safer, stronger structures that withstand severe weather.

“The result is a workforce that is not only employable on day one, but also advances the long-term safety and durability of local homes and neighborhoods,” Knapp said.

Partnering with HBI and the BuildStrong Academy gives students access to a proven curriculum, experienced instructors, and a professional training facility designed for hands-on workforce preparation. Together, the organizations have built a pathway that blends hands-on carpentry training in a high-quality shop environment with FORTIFIED roofing and construction concepts, career-readiness coaching, employer engagement, and service-minded leadership development.

“Service-minded leadership development unique to Team Rubicon,” Knapp said. “What sets it apart is the combination of practical skills, disaster-resilience training, and a clear line-of-sight to employment with contractors who value strong work ethic and reliability.”

This first cohort of students graduated on Nov. 21, marking a major milestone. It proves that the program can train, support, and prepare local community members for skilled-trade careers in a way that aligns with Team Rubicon’s mission to build resilience long before disasters strike. It also validates the model Team Rubicon intends to replicate in future cities—high-quality training, strong employer partnerships, and a pipeline of workers ready to contribute to safer homes and stronger communities.

This class represents the start of a long-term strategy to develop thousands of workers nationwide who can help prevent disaster damage and speed recovery when storms hit.

Graduates at the Home Builders Institute’s BuildStrong Academy in Orlando, Fla. Photo by Seth Trouborst, courtesy of Team Rubicon.

“After graduation, I’m excited to step directly into the workforce,” said Gabi Malvone, a program graduate. “This program gave me the technical skills, safety training, and confidence to work on real jobsites. I learned framing, roofing, tool use, jobsite communication, and how to build to the FORTIFIED standard—which is something contractors are looking for as weather gets more severe.”

Beyond the technical skills, the program helped her understand what employers expect: showing up on time, working as a team, staying safe, and taking pride in her work.

“I’m ready to bring those habits and the hands-on training I’ve received to a company that’s building homes the right way.”

The pilot was supported by a coalition of project sponsors whose contributions helped bring the training to life: The Home Depot Foundation, The A. James and Alice B. Clark Foundation, Wells Fargo Foundation, GAF Materials, Carhartt, The Coca-Cola Foundation, W.W. Grainger Inc., Chevron Gulf of Mexico Business Unit, and the Kendeda Fund.