Turning to the Trades: Perseverance Pays Off
By David Schell After graduating high school in 2000, I did the same as many of my peers and enrolled at the local community college. I had no idea what I wanted to do, but the advisor told me to enroll in liberal arts. After about two years, I decided to switch to nursing, but […]
Students get a Running Start on Choosing a Career
The construction industry is constantly fighting to find their way into high schools across the country to show students the opportunities that a career in construction holds and build the skilled workforce needed to keep up with the demand of labor. When ABC New Mexico Chapter’s Carla Kugler began her job as Education & Safety […]
Comparing Degrees–4-Year College V. Trade School
A recent article on The Simple Dollar–a website aimed at helping people build a financially secure future–explored the opportunities offered to those who choose to forego a four-year college degree and start their careers with trade school. While many already working in the construction industry are aware of the money and time that can be […]
Leading the Way to a Better Education
As a Year 4 HVAC apprentice, Dakota Clark has a lot on his plate between attending class, working a full-time job and balancing his personal life. So when he was asked to be the spokesperson for his class, the task seemed daunting, but for Clark, it turned out that being the leader of the Year […]
University of Cincinnati Wins the ABC Construction Management Competition
The University of Cincinnati took home first-place out of the twenty-one schools that competed in the Fall 2013 ABC Student Chapter Construction Management Competition (CMC) held Nov. 2-5 in Las Vegas, Nev. The competition started in September when the students were given a request for proposal and spent the next two months preparing to bid […]
Be a Part of the 2014 National Craft Championships
With the looming workforce shortage, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) believes the future of the industry relies on the ability to attract and retain top talent with skills to fill the needs of the companies who are building America. Through the annual National Craft Championships (NCC), ABC hopes to promote life-long learning and to recognize […]
Building Blocks: Adam Bailey’s Journey into Construction
Adam Bailey grew up playing with tinker toys and Legos, learning how he could put pieces together to make a finished product. When it was time to choose a career, it seemed only natural that he would join the construction industry. During his time competing in the 2013 National Craft Championships electrical competition, Bailey shared […]
Advice from a Foreman: Q&A with Luke Fosket
“Do your best even if no one is watching.” During a recent site visit of a Whole Foods being built in Lincoln, Neb., Willmar Electric Service’s Foreman Luke Fosket showed me how complex the building process can be. After having the opportunity to talk with Luke about his career and experience in the industry, it’s […]
Celebrating National Tradesmen Day
Celebrating National Tradesmen Day It’s National Tradesmen Day and we want to celebrate all of the men and women who go to work every day to build our communities. In honor of these craft workers, take a look into how one pipefitter began his career in the trades and why he’s committed to his future […]
Infographic: Why Should you Choose a Career in Construction?
One of the keys to closing the skills gap is to change perceptions about pursuing a career in construction. The following infographic highlights some of the great qualities a career as a craft professional has to offer.
