This month, NKBA Tennessee partnered with Generational Life Skills for a hands-on community project: guiding at-risk youth in building birdhouses for the elderly. While the event was filled with sawdust, laughter, and teamwork, its impact reached far beyond the finished projects.

The Birdhouse Build was about more than wood and nails. It was about giving young people the opportunity to learn tangible skills, work with their hands, and gain confidence in their ability to create something lasting. For the elderly community members receiving these birdhouses, the gifts symbolize care and connection. For the youth who built them, they represent a step toward discovering the value of craftsmanship and the pride that comes with building something real.

The kitchen and bath industry is facing a critical skilled labor shortage—with 58% of K&B businesses reporting moderate to severe shortages, up significantly from just five years ago. At the same time, fewer young people are being introduced to trades in schools, leaving a widening gap for carpenters, installers, plumbers, electricians, and even future designers.

That’s where NKBA’s Skilled Labor Initiative and the NextUp program step in. Nationally, NKBA is committed to bridging this labor gap by educating students, parents, and educators about rewarding careers in the skilled trades. NextUp provides early exposure for students ages 5–18, career development and mentorship for young professionals, and training opportunities for those looking to reskill or upskill.

These careers are in high demand, offer competitive wages and benefits, and provide the fulfillment of creating and building real things that improve people’s lives. By inspiring curiosity at an early age, we can show the next generation that a future in design and construction is not only possible but deeply rewarding.

For NKBA Tennessee, this work is personal. We are passionate about connecting with youth, schools, and local organizations to spark curiosity and confidence in the trades. By investing in the next generation, we are investing in the future of our industry and our community.

Events like the Birdhouse Build remind us of the joy and pride found in working with our hands — and the importance of passing on those skills. NKBA Tennessee will continue to support opportunities that connect youth to meaningful careers in design and construction.

Learn more about NKBA’s work:

If you would like to get involved in future youth programs or have an organization you believe would be a great fit for collaboration, we would love to hear from you. Together, we can create more opportunities to inspire and invest in the next generation of skilled trades and design professionals right here in Tennessee.