DENVER – Right now, homebuilders around the country are desperately looking for workers to help them complete projects. There are nearly 200,000 construction jobs available right now across the nation, up 81 percent in just two years.
One homebuilder is taking matters into its own hands.
Lesley Millhouser has learned important building skills despite not having a background in the field.
“I am currently a stay-at-home mom,” Millhouser says. “My background is actually as a paralegal in biopharmaceuticals.”
Millhouser’s love for building began when her daughter wanted a dollhouse.
“When you put together a dollhouse, suddenly I needed an addition to my dollhouse because there was no place for the kitchen and the bathroom,” Millhouser says. “And then I started building stuff and I was always frustrated because I didn’t have the saw or the materials I needed. Actually the wisdom to do it.”
Now, she’s one of nearly two dozen students hoping to turn interest into employment at the Colorado Homebuilding Academy, created by Oakwood Homes. And it’s about more than making sure students are getting jobs, but keeping an industry alive.
Michael Smith, the academy’s director, said there’s a labor shortage nationwide.
