Finding a Career Through Craft Training [video]
The National Craft Championship brings the best craft trainees from across the country together in one place every year to compete for one of the top three spots in their craft. In May 2014, Franklin Noble walked away a silver medalist and the safety award winner in the Commercial/Industrial Electrical competition, but the road to […]
NCCER and ABC Working Together to Promote Careers in Construction
NCCER announced in a press release on Aug. 27, that the organization is partnering with Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Trimmer Construction Education Foundation to offer the Build Your Future (BYF) scholarship to students interested in pursuing a career in construction. The partnership amounts to $100,000 in scholarships for the next five years to individuals […]
Pre-Apprenticeship Program Comes to Indiana High School District
An Indiana school district is kicking off the 2014-2015 school year with a new program to provide hands-on education to students interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades. With the help of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Indiana/Kentucky Chapter, 25 high school juniors will be a part of the first class of […]
The Skilled Labor Shortage from 4 Perspectives
In the article “Construction Industry Missing Key Tool: Skilled Workers,” we get a look at what the skilled labor shortage really means from four different points of view: a user, contractor, trade association and an apprentice—all explaining how the shortage affects them and the reasons behind it. For a school district employee in Wyoming, an […]
Craft Training Offers Unexpected Opportunity to an Indiana High School Student
In a recent article published in a local publication in Indiana, the story of Russell Eastman showed how craft training can clear a path to a successful future many never imagine could be possible. With the help of Associated Builders and Contractors Indiana/Kentucky Chapter and an internship with Gaylor Electric, Eastman was able to take hold […]
Key Workforce Development Bill Signed Into Law
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today praised the signing of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), H.R. 803, into law and released the following statement: “WIOA is an important step toward addressing the shortage of qualified workers in the construction industry; this is a big win for our members,” said ABC Vice President of […]
Careers in Construction Pave Way for Economic Mobility
In an article published in The Wall Street Journal July 18, Dakota Blazier shared his story about his decision to forego the traditional university route and take the road that is traveled a little too infrequently. The 18 year old from Indiana started down the path to a career in construction when he first took […]
INFOGRAPHIC: Opportunities on the Construction Career Path
2014 National Craft Championship Winners Announced
On April 30, more than 150 craft trainees and apprentices were welcomed to Birmingham, Ala. as the 2014 National Craft Championships were beginning. They spent two days competing—in both a written exam, and a six-hour hands-on project that tested their skills and put them head-to-head with the best in the nation. After hours of preparation […]
Veteran Electrician Honored as Craft Instructor of the Year
Lloyd Evans, the hiring and training administrator for Watson Electrical Construction Co. LLC, Wilson, N.C., was recognized as Associated Builders and Contractors’ (ABC) 2014 Craft Instructor of the Year. After more than 45 years in the industry and working his way up through the company, Evans’ uses his skills and experience to support his students […]