In this ever-changing and evolving industry, many builders find it necessary to learn new methods, develop additional skills, or acquire professional designations to thrive. Thankfully, several existing and new education programs are available to builders, remodelers and other housing professionals in gaining continuing education and specialized training from Green building to Aging-in-Place certification. NAHB's University of Housing

The NAHB University of Housing provides ongoing skills and education for industry professionals in several different subject areas such as marketing and sales, business management, Green building and 50+ housing. Educational courses and seminars are generally offered at national conferences and tours, or through local Home Builders Associations. A wide range of professional designations are also available through the NAHB, which are designed to improve skills, advance careers and gain specific knowledge applicable to niche areas of homebuilding.

The Certified Green Professional Designation

The NAHB's newest professional designation program is the Certified Green Professional Designation, which is achieved through a two-day "Green Building for Building Professionals
training and education course. "More than 700 builders have already completed this program since it was introduced,
says Calli Schmidt, director of environmental communications for the NAHB. "It is currently being offered through local home builders associations in 20 different locations around the U.S.

In order to qualify for the designation, candidates need at least two years of building industry experience as well as being involved in the construction of a house over the previous two years.

The Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist Designation

According to the NAHB, one of the fastest-growing segments of the residential remodeling industry is aging-in-place. The NAHB's Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist designation, launched back in 2001, is meeting needs with a three-day training program, which provides expertise to remodelers, as well as general contractors, designers, architects and health care consultants, for performing popular aging-in-place modifications. Demographic trends suggest that citizens, as they age, would prefer to have their homes adapted to their living needs instead of relocating.

In addition to aging-in-place modifications, the CAPS program covers common remodeling projects, solutions to common barriers, and provides background training related to the unique needs of the older adult population. "Their success in living at home depends on having a suitable environment that makes it easy and comfortable for them to carry out their daily activities and come and go conveniently,
says Kelly Mack, communications manager for NAHB Remodelers. "The CAPS designation, which was just revised in fall 2007, teaches remodelers how to identify and complete home remodeling projects to meet the common concerns of seniors choosing to age in their existing homes. Additionally, CAPS students can network and develop relationships with occupational therapists, designers, social workers, architects and others who frequently attend the courses for their own learning.

Certified Active Adult Specialist in Housing

Another important educational program that serves the need for operating in the active adult market is the Certified Active Adult Specialist in Housing designation. According to the NAHB, in 2005 there were 67 million active adults ages 55 and older living in the U.S. However, that number is forecasted to increase considerably-by 2014, there will be 85 million active adults ages 55 and older and more than 40 percent of all households will be headed by someone in the 55+ age group.

The CAASH designation is an educational program designed to provide housing professionals with tools, skills and knowledge in regards to the active adult market. "This is the fastest-growing area of the total housing industry, says Robert Tippets, chairman of the NAHB 50+ Housing Council and a 2006 CAASH designee. "This segment represents 30 percent of all new home or residence purchases in the total market including age-restricted communities, single-family homes, multifamily condos and maintenance-free communities.

Tippets also says NAHB is in the process of developing additional courses. "They usually take about a year to plan and design. NAHB has really raised the bar with its course content and material. It has become much more academic.

Home Builders Associations

Home Builders Associations can be a great resource to builders for continuing education as well as obtaining information and updates in regards to their local market. For instance, the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association provides continuing builder education on a monthly basis through member meetings. Every month, several standing committees meet to discuss topics and educate builders on events and issues related to various areas of the industry. SAHBA has 14 separate committees that are organized by subject and include Green building, safety, remodelers, technical and custom building.

"The meetings are open to all members and definitely serve the purpose of educating builders on key areas of our business, says Roger Yohem, SAHBA vice president. "If we have something important to cover or we need to address a concern in one of the committee areas, such as a regulatory policy change, then we have the option of bringing in a speaker. We are usually able to deal with it within in the confines and the existing structure of the committee.

When significant issues arise within the industry or certain topics get overwhelming builder interest, then SAHBA will organize courses or conferences to accommodate the need. "Last year we either presented or co-sponsored offsite courses that covered energy-efficient construction and new home construction forecasts. This year, we will help publicize a series of workshops and conferences by various employment services and law firm members on Arizona's new employee sanction laws including how to hire and screen workers under the new policies. This is a major issue related to immigration and labor,
says Yohem.

Green Building Initiative

Portland, Ore.-based nonprofit Green Building Initiative will soon be utilizing the web for implementing online education geared toward Green building. The GBI is currently developing cost-effective educational programs to help builders and developers implement Green building practices and techniques.

"We want to position ourselves as an entity that can bring resources, information and education to the industry,
says Sharene Rekow, Vice president of marketing and membership for the GBI. "We are committed to getting the tools out to the market and embracing Green building education.

The educational programs are designed for access free of charge via the GBI's website, thegbi.org. Content for the trainings was developed in partly, based on the demand from GBI members in order to ascertain how Green building education can ultimately provide a return on their time and investment.

The first trainings, planned for late February and early March, will teach design and construction professionals about the new ATHENA EcoCalculator for Assemblies. The tool was commissioned by the GBI for incorporation into the Green Globes environmental assessment and rating system. However, recognizing its value as an indicator of global warming potential and other environmental impacts, GBI also supported the development of a generic version, the ATHENA EcoCalculator for Assemblies.

In addition, the GBI also has plans for web trainings later in the year, which will look at topics such as the "Liability of Building Green" and "How Do You Market Your Company or Product as Green?"
And there are further trainings in the works that will teach design and construction professionals about the GBI's Green Globes for New Construction and Green Globes for Continual Improvement of Existing Buildings modules, as well as some residential training programming.

Cumulatively, Rekow says these Web programs will be tailored to provide a complete and comprehensive resource for builders to obtain all of their Green building educational needs.

"They are also designed to capture an audience while best meeting a busy professional's time constraints,
says Rekow. "Members have told us that they want their employees to receive Green building training and education. That is one of the benefits of our program - that members can bring education to their employees in an easy and cost-effective manner.