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 […]
Learning Lifelong Skills Through the Trades
In the midst of learning technical skills that will help them succeed in the trades, the students in Cardozo High School’s Academy of Construction & Design (ACAD) are gleaning lifelong lessons that apply no matter what career path they choose to take. The academy, made possible by the D.C. Student Construction Trade Foundation (DCSCTF), provides […]
INFOGRAPHIC: Opportunities on the Construction Career Path
OpEd: Construction Career Training is Essential to Economic Growth
In today’s edition of The Hill, Dan Brodbeck, the National Chairman of Associated Builders and Contractors calls attention to the construction industry’s expected skills gap and the efforts being made by both Congress and the industry to train the workforce of tomorrow. In particular, Mr. Brodbeck highlight’s the recently introduced Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which makes […]
Bipartisan Deal Announced to Improve Federal Workforce System
Yesterday, a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers announced they have reached a deal to improve the nation’s workforce development system through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The bill, which will now be considered by both the House and Senate, modernizes and improves existing federal workforce development programs, helps workers attain skills for 21st century […]
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 […]
Maintaining American Competitiveness Through Improved Workforce Training: A Guest Post By Congressman Tom Rice (R-SC)
In order to maintain American competitiveness, we must ensure that our 21st Century workforce includes the highly skilled and trained craftsmen and professionals that our economy requires. Over the years, federal workforce training and workplace development programs have been added and existing programs have been modified in order to address spikes in unemployment. While these […]
