Dave Simpson, Carolinas AGC on the Carolinas Construction Industry

GroundBreak Carolinas is pleased to share thoughts and insights from key leaders in the construction industry from North Carolina and South Carolina. Dave Simpson, President and CEO of Carolinas AGC, shares his thoughts on the construction industry:

What are your thoughts on the Carolinas’ Construction economy in 2019?

We are very optimistic at Carolinas AGC that 2019 will be another solid year for construction in the Carolinas in the building, highway-heavy and utility markets. We are doing everything we can, through our Carolinas AGC Build Your Career workforce development program, to bring focus on the thousands of great, well-paying jobs careers that are out there now throughout North and South Carolina.

What are the biggest challenges for your members?

The work’s there. The workers aren’t. Our industry faces shortages in skilled professionals at all levels and our CAGC ambassadors, young leaders and partners are providing boots-on-the-ground efforts in promoting construction as an excellent career with parents, educators, students in middle schools, high schools, community colleges, retired military and our communities at a time when the average pay in our Carolinas’ construction industry is approaching $60,00 a year.

What are the top three priorities for the CAGC in 2019?

Helping solve the workforce shortage; providing networking to our members with more than 90 meetings throughout the Carolinas, including quarterly events in all the major cities; and legislative involvement in helping get badly needed infrastructure funding in Columbia, Raleigh and D.C. for our transportation, building and utility needs.

What are your members’ hiring plans for 2019?

Ongoing and strong.

What changes would you like to see in construction in the Carolinas?

To bring more awareness on what a great career is awaiting go-getters with thousands of career opportunities out there now and in coming years.

To learn more about the Carolinas AGC and to connect with Dave Simpson, please visit the Carolinas AGC.