Workforce

Bringing Workforce Development to Life

The construction labor shortage statistics are sobering, but new data shows how Associated Builders and Contractors is working to stem the tide—in other words, to get new people into the industry, provide education, and guide them toward a job and a dream.
By Joanna Masterson
June 5, 2019
Topics
Workforce

The construction labor shortage statistics are sobering, but new data shows how Associated Builders and Contractors is working to stem the tide—in other words, to get new people into the industry, provide education, and guide them toward a job and a dream.

ABC commissioned management consulting firm FMI to conduct a survey to quantify the scope of workforce development initiatives by member contractors. The results show that ABC members invested $1.6 billion to educate their employees in 2018, up from $1.1 billion in 2013. Firms with annual revenue below $10 million accounted for nearly two-thirds of all education investment, and trade/craft personnel accounted for 61 percent of those educated across all contractor types.

ABC’s pledge to educate 500,000 American workers over the next five years is supported by a network of chapter (and affiliated) training centers in 1,400 locations across the country offering more than 800 apprenticeship, craft, safety and management education programs—including more than 300 U.S. Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship programs.

The ABC National Craft Championships (NCC) brings these investments to life every year by showcasing the tremendous talent that is being fostered across the country. Considering the competitors’ award-winning NCC performances, the industry is in good hands.

Get to know some of the NCC’s standout craft workers at ConstructionExec.com/People.

by Joanna Masterson

Joanna Masterson was a writer and editor for Construction Executive for more than a decade.

Related stories

Workforce
Increasing Support for the Increasing Number of Women in Construction
By Shanthi Rajan
Providing more support for the women in the construction industry is a promising way to recruit them to (and retain them at) your company.
Workforce
An Interview With the Women Leading the Way at BELL Construction
By Rebecca Goss
In celebration of Women in Construction Week and Women's History Month, four women leaders with BELL Construction talk career trajectories, inspiration and advice for the next generation.
Workforce
Barriers That Are Hurting Your Hiring and Recruitment Efforts
By Samantha Stephenson
To hire based on merit, companies must ensure that their hiring procedures are accessible to everyone.

Follow us




Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Stay in the know with the latest industry news, technology and our weekly features. Get early access to any CE events and webinars.