Construction Industry Pledges to Hire 100,000 Veterans
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Feb. 10 joined construction industry leaders from more than 100 companies in support of their pledge to employ 100,000 veterans in the next five years—a commitment that was made during the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Veterans’ Employment in Construction National Symposium. “ABC believes in supporting our troops by providing […]
Success in the New Economy: Technical Skills vs. College
This video comes to us from Citrus College and beautifully lays out the real facts and stark realities that many students don’t consider when making decisions about post-secondary education. Because student’s rarely make a decision this important in a vacuum, this video should be required viewing for parents, educators and counselors, as well. Help us […]
One Quarter of Americans Have an Industry Credential–and They Earn More Money
According to the first federal survey report ever released on non-degree credentials, 25% of working Americans hold an “alternative” post-secondary credential (professional certifications, licenses and educational certificates). While alternative credentials were more common among adults who held an associate’s degree or higher, more than 11 million adults with a high school degree or less held a professional […]
Construction Training Programs Could Get Federal Tuition Assistance
For students interested post-secondary education, money often weighs heavily in the decision. While federal tuition assistance programs provide support for students interested in pursuing 4-year degree programs at the post-secondary level, they do not offer the same for industry-recognized credentials. It’s no wonder career-specific training programs have no chance at competing. But if a new bill introduced […]
Apprenticeship Budget Will Triple Under Iowa Governor’s New Proposal
When Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad (R) delivered his “Condition of the State” address, he announced a legislative agenda focused on improving economic development and providing Iowans access to high-paying jobs in high-demand industries. As part of this legislative agenda, the governor’s proposed budget would triple funding to apprenticeship programs. The Associated Builders and Contractors of […]
Construction Training Partnership EARNs Grant Funding in Maryland
The Baltimore Metro Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors was recently announced as a recipient of an EARN (Employment Advancement Right Now) Maryland grant by the state Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR). The EARN Maryland program is a state-funded workforce and economic development grant initiative that was passed by the state’s legislature during […]
Construction Projected to Be The Fastest Growing Occupation Over The Next 10 Years
According to its latest 10-year employment and labor force projections, the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has found that employment in the construction sector will grow at an annual rate of 2.6%. Of 19 employment sectors that BLS looked at for the next decade, the construction industry’s rate of growth is tied […]
Apprentices To Recieve Tuition Assistance in Wisconsin
A recently signed bill in Wisconsin will provide a partial tuition reimbursement for students who successfully complete apprenticeship programs and work in the trade in which they were trained. Much like the apprenticeship tax credits we have seen in states like South Carolina, this new program will provide greater incentives for individuals and businesses to […]
Construction Career Training Report Highlights Employer Involvement
Vocational education is in the midst of a renaissance, according to a new report published by the Manhattan Institute for Public Policy’s Center for State and Local Leadership. The report, written by nationally recognized policy expert Tamar Jacoby, makes the case that the growing skills gap and skyrocketing college debt has created the perfect storm […]
CTE Hearing Highlights Industry Participation Needs
Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives Education and the Workforce Committee held a hearing to investigate proposals for improving career and technical education (CTE) funding programs through the Carl D. Perkins Act re-authorization. In his opening remarks, Chairman John Kline (R-Minn.) mentioned the sub-committee testimony of Al Bargas, president of the ABC Pelican Chapter in […]
