SBCA Launches New Symposium to Address Construction Skills Gap

AUSTIN, TX – January 15, 2026 – The Structural Building Components Association (SBCA) has announced a new educational initiative aimed at closing a critical knowledge gap within the construction industry. The symposium series, titled SBCA Component Craft, will bring together architects, engineers, builders, and code officials for specialized training on the structural components that form the backbone of modern buildings. The inaugural event is set to take place in Austin, Texas, on February 24-25, 2026.

This initiative arrives at a pivotal moment for the construction sector, which is grappling with a severe labor crisis and the rapid evolution of building technology. By focusing on essential elements like roof trusses, floor trusses, and prefabricated wall panels, the program seeks to enhance technical proficiency, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and promote safer, more efficient building practices across the board.

Addressing a Widening Skills Gap

The launch of SBCA Component Craft is a direct response to one of the most pressing challenges facing the construction industry today: a deepening shortage of skilled labor. Projections indicate a need for nearly 440,000 additional workers in 2025 alone to meet demand. Compounding the issue, a significant portion of the experienced workforce, with some estimates suggesting nearly 40% of skilled tradespeople, is expected to retire by 2031, creating a substantial void of institutional knowledge.

This program aims to address the skills deficit not just by training new entrants, but by upskilling existing professionals. The increasing complexity of modern construction—driven by advanced materials, sophisticated design software like Building Information Modeling (BIM), and a growing emphasis on sustainability—demands continuous education. Architects and engineers must stay current with the latest component technologies to design structures that are not only safe and compliant but also cost-effective and environmentally responsible. The symposium's curriculum is designed to provide this crucial continuing education, ensuring that professionals can confidently specify, design with, and inspect these advanced systems.

The Push for Efficiency and Prefabrication

Underpinning the need for this specialized training is the dramatic growth of the structural components market itself. The global market for wood trusses is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 5%, while the prefabricated wall panel market is growing even faster, with some forecasts predicting a CAGR exceeding 6% through the next decade. This growth is fueled by a powerful industry shift towards prefabrication and modular construction.

Developers and contractors are increasingly turning to factory-built components to accelerate project timelines, reduce on-site waste, and mitigate the impact of labor shortages. Components manufactured in a controlled environment offer a higher degree of precision and quality assurance than traditional stick-framing methods. However, maximizing these benefits requires that designers, builders, and inspectors possess a thorough understanding of how these systems are made, how they integrate into a building, and how they perform under load. The SBCA Component Craft series is structured to provide this exact knowledge, helping the industry build smarter and more efficiently.

"SBCA Component Craft reflects SBCA's commitment to education and collaboration across the construction industry," says Jess Lohse, Executive Director of SBCA, in the official announcement. "The program is designed to support continued learning and professional development for everyone involved in the design, specification, and inspection of structural building components."

A New Forum for Collaboration and Standardization

Beyond technical training, the symposium is designed to foster critical dialogue among the diverse professions that shape the built environment. By creating a common forum for architects, structural engineers, manufacturers, and code officials, SBCA aims to break down silos and promote a more integrated approach to construction. Miscommunication or a lack of shared understanding between these groups can lead to costly errors, project delays, and compromised structural integrity.

This collaborative environment is intended to lead to greater standardization and the adoption of industry-wide best practices. When designers fully understand the manufacturing process and builders are well-versed in proper installation techniques, the entire construction workflow becomes more streamlined. Furthermore, giving code officials direct exposure to component manufacturing and design principles can lead to more informed and consistent enforcement of building regulations, enhancing public safety. The event's unique setting at The Brewtorium Brewery and Kitchen in Austin is intended to facilitate this networking and dialogue in a relaxed, collegial atmosphere.

Practical Training with Professional Value

The two-day event in Austin offers a tangible return on investment for attendees. Professionals can earn up to eight Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or Professional Development Hours (PDHs), which are essential for maintaining licensure in architecture and engineering. State licensing boards for both professions mandate ongoing education, often with a specific focus on topics related to Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW). The technical content of the SBCA symposium, covering everything from component installation to safety and compliance, directly aligns with these HSW requirements, making it a valuable opportunity for professional development.

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the program is a guided tour of a local component manufacturing facility. This hands-on experience will allow participants to move beyond blueprints and theoretical knowledge to see firsthand the advanced systems, automation, and quality control processes involved in producing modern structural components. This practical insight is invaluable for building confidence and clarity in how these products are specified and used. With its blend of expert-led sessions, accredited learning, and real-world application, the SBCA Component Craft series is poised to become a vital educational resource for the construction industry.