
Trainee to working apprentice framers in 12 weeks
After 12 weeks of training, trainees earn HBI’s Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT). This portable paper credential qualifies graduates to seek paid work as apprentice framers nationally. It is recognized by the construction industry and US Department of Labor.

New trainees on Houston jobsites
HBI had no framer training programs in Houston prior to Hurricane Harvey. With the city facing so much damage and too few qualified carpenters to undertake reconstruction, Norbord teamed up with HBI to fund a new program.
Along with the support of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, the HBI Acres Homes Training Program launched at the end of June 2018. Upon completing 12 weeks of training, the 14 young men and women graduates will be hired by Acres Homes to begin apprenticing, building new houses, earning good pay. The course was free for all participants.

Tampa gets a critical lift
In Tampa, where reconstruction efforts were also hampered by a serious framer shortage, HBI already had existing PACT operations. The program was incorporated into a local high school’s curriculum, at no cost to students.
Other initiatives
We’re dedicated to helping unemployed, underemployed and underserved youth across the country become framers. And we’re working to ensure HBI trainees receive the most up-to-date, nationally-recognized energy-efficient homebuilding techniques.
There’s been much interest in automated robotic off-site construction as a way to address the skilled labor shortage, and we believe it’s a progressive approach to many issues facing our industry. We also believe in not forgetting about people, framers, the American worker and the potential of our youth. This is why we’ve joined with HBI to train a new generation of framing carpenters in more efficient and productive construction techniques. To supply them with wood structural panel products that speed construction and increase the productivity of framers, electricians, plumbers, and the insulation trades. To lower the builder’s costs and reduce waste. And, ultimately, to make new houses more accessible and affordable to the American homebuyer.
Help us spread the good word about careers in framing
These are the key facts able-bodied young Americans – and their parents – need to know about pursuing a career in framing carpentry:
- It takes just 12 weeks of training to earn HBI’s Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) credential to work as a paid apprentice framer nationally
- Full-time framing work pays very well
- There are ample framing job vacancies in most US states
- Many who begin as framers become successful builder-entrepreneurs
- Framing keeps you fit, strong and mentally sharp
- Framing is enjoyable, creatively challenging and satisfying work
- Using renewable timber from responsibly managed forests (from which all Norbord products are made) is the greenest way to build houses