Rebuilding the Residential Workforce,
One Craftsman at a Time
The Dayton Construction Academy is a joint initiative between the Homebuilders Association of Dayton and Sinclair College,
dedicated to transforming the next generation of residential construction professionals.
The Residential Construction industry is in crisis.
It's not just a shortage of workers. The residential construction industry has lost something more fundamental — its culture. Reliable, professional, purpose-driven tradespeople are harder to find than ever, and the systems meant to develop them have largely failed.
Previous workforce programs have come and gone. Politicians talk. Organizations meet. And the problem gets worse.
The older generation is burning out. The younger generation isn't showing up. And the contractors caught in the middle are left managing long build times, constant turnover, and shrinking margins — with little hope for relief.
We believe the solution isn't another online course or a government grant. The fix starts with culture — and culture starts with character.
A New Kind of Trades Program
Our Mission:
To transform the residential workforce
To transform the residential construction workforce by cultivating skilled, passionate individuals through hands-on training, classroom education, and strong industry relationships.
Our Vision:
To be the best trades program available
To be the most in-demand residential construction program by both students and employers.
Our Ethos:
Character First
No matter how smart, how skilled, or how experienced a craftsman, nothing that’s worth anything can be built without character first.
FOR STUDENTS
Built for Those Who Want to Build
This is not your typical trade school. The Dayton Construction Academy is a competitive, hands-on program designed for young men and women who are serious about building a career — and a life — with their hands.
80% hands-on training. 20% classroom. Because you learn by doing.
Earn while you learn. Graduate with skills that command wages comparable to — or better than — a four-year university degree, without the debt.
Be led by people who love what they do. Instructors and experienced tradespeople who are invested in your success.
Earn a credential that means something. Certificate programs and multi-year, State-recognized degrees in the trades.
This program is not for everyone. It is for those who show up, work hard, and want something worth working for.
FOR EMPLOYERS
A Pipeline Built on Standards — Not Just Supply
We are not a staffing agency. We are not the union. We are a program built for a specific kind of employer — one who is serious about investing in their business, their people, and the future of this industry.
Preferred Employer Partners in the DCA program commit to:
Offering competitive wages and benefits — comparable to other college graduates
Upholding a Code of Ethics that reflects the Character First standard
Investing in the next generation, not just filling a seat
In return, you gain preferential access to a pipeline of vetted, purpose-driven graduates who have been trained, tested, and held to a high standard from day one.
Quality over quantity. Every time.
Ready to Get Involved?
Whether you're a student looking for a real shot at a great career, an employer ready to invest in the next generation, or an organization that believes in what we're building — we'd love to connect.