Each October, the home building industry celebrates Careers in Construction Month, a time to recognize the professionals in the field and spotlight opportunities available for the next generation. This is the fourth story in a weekly series highlighting the month.

NAHB’s Young Professionals (YP) focuses on supporting and developing the next generation of leaders in the home building industry. The group provides networking opportunities, mentorship, and resources to help younger professionals advance in their careers and engage with peers across the country.

“Joining NAHB’s Young Professionals has been an incredible opportunity to grow, connect, and get more involved in our industry,” said Blanca Vasquez-Zurawskyi, vice president of operations for VCC Contracting.

“Being part of the YP community — nationally, statewide, and locally — has given me friendships, mentorships, and fresh ideas that have strengthened me both personally and professionally.”

How to start a Young Professionals community

NAHB created a toolkit for HBA staff and board members, YPs interested in gaining leadership experience or anyone committed to growing the next generation of industry professionals. It includes step-by-step guidance on how to start and sustain a YP community including tips, examples, templates, ready-to-use resources and more.

“To me, being part of the [Greater Houston Builders Association] Young Professionals group is about more than just career development,” said Byron Bimage, territory sales manager at LP Building Solutions. “It’s a place where I can grow personally, learn from others, and build connections that push me to be better both at work and in life.”

Celebrate Young Professionals during YP Week

This week, from Oct. 20-24, NAHB is celebrating the leaders of the future during the annual YP Week. YPs are encouraged to strengthen their bonds with YP communities at all levels by sharing ideas about successful local YP events, hearing from states that have started their own YP communities, and engaging with national about opportunities at the Fall Leadership Meeting.

In conversations on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, YPs should use the hashtag #YPWEEK. Learn more about how to participate and how to contribute to the YP Day of Service.

Young Professionals discounts and giveaways

For this week only (Oct. 20-24), use the discount code YPW20 for 20% off your entire purchase at BuilderBooks.com.

Enter the NAHB BuilderBooks Young Professional Week Giveaway by updating your year of birth (must be 45 years or younger to win) on your NAHB profile at nahb.org/register by Oct. 23 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Winners will be announced on Oct. 24.

Additionally, sign up for an NAHB education class using the code YPWEEK25 for a special discount. This deal runs from Oct. 20-31.