Groundbreak Carolinas

GroundBreak Carolinas

Your source for construction industry news in the Carolinas

Workforce

Midterm Wake-Up Call for Trump: Study Shows Nonunion Construction Workers Built the GOP Coalition

by Associated Builders and Contractors on

Associated Builders and Contractors today released the results of a new survey conducted by The Harris Poll in six battleground states—Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin—which found that nonunion skilled trades workers—who make up nearly 90% of the construction workforce—are an influential voting bloc in elections and were the driving force behind Republicans’ success in 2024, including the election of…

New DEWALT Study Identifies Emerging Gap Between AI Training in Trade Schools and Industry Needs

by DEWALT on

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms industries and becomes an essential jobsite tool for construction and industrial businesses, a new national study from DEWALT, Stanley Black & Decker’s (NYSE: SWK) professional brand, reveals an emerging disconnect – the construction workforce is eager for AI, but lacks the hands-on training needed to unlock its full potential. Experience…

The Skilled Trades Moment: Why This Is an Opportunity We Should Lean Into

by Brian Gallagher, PPC Partners on

BlackRock’s recent $100 million investment in skilled trades training is more than a philanthropic announcement. It is a clear signal about where the U.S. economy is headed—and what it will take to sustain growth over the next decade. At a time when headlines are dominated by artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and massive infrastructure spending, BlackRock’s…

The Home Depot Foundation Helps Revitalize “Shop Class” with Nationwide Grants

by The Home Depot Foundation on

As the skilled trades industry faces a massive retirement cliff over the next decade, The Home Depot Foundation is providing funding to help schools and skilled trades training organizations make the physical improvements they need to attract and retain the next generation of skilled tradespeople. The Foundation is now accepting applications for Path to Pro Education…

Nearly 9 Out of 10 of US Construction Workers Are Not Union Members

by Associated Builders and Contractors on

According to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2025 Union Members Summary released today, 11.1% of U.S. construction industry workers belong to a union, an increase from 10.3% in 2024, versus 88.9% who do not. The BLS reported that 995,000 construction industry workers were members of a union, while 8…

Nonresidential Construction Adds Solid 27,900 Jobs in January

by Associated Builders and Contractors on

The construction industry added 33,000 jobs on net in January, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has grown by 44,000 jobs, an increase of 0.5%. Nonresidential construction employment expanded by 27,900 positions, with gains in 2…

Duke Energy Invests $500,000 in North Carolina Community Colleges to Strengthen Energy Workforce Pipeline

by Duke Energy on

Duke Energy Foundation is awarding $500,000 to community colleges across the state to help prepare the next generation of skilled energy and trade workers. Zoom in: North Carolina community colleges can apply for $25,000 grants to expand or strengthen programs that support critical energy and skilled trade careers, including lineworker training, electrical, mechanical and electronics engineering…

Construction Industry Must Attract 349,000 Workers in 2026 Despite Macroeconomic Headwinds

by Associated Builders and Contractors on

The construction industry needs to attract an estimated 349,000 net new workers in 2026 to meet demand for construction services, according to a proprietary model developed and released today by Associated Builders and Contractors. In 2027, the industry will need to bring in 456,000 new workers to meet demand as construction spending growth is poised…

Trade Schools are the Hottest High Schools

by Brian Gallagher on

For decades, we told students there was one “right” path to success. College first. Figure it out later. Massachusetts just blew that myth up in the best possible way. According to a recent WSJ article, The Hottest High Schools in Massachusetts are Trade Schools, trade schools across the state now have waiting lists in the thousands….

Careers in Construction Month: Building What Lasts Begins with Intent

by Brian Gallagher, PPC Partners on

Every October, our industry takes a moment to recognize Careers in Construction Month. It’s more than a celebration—it’s a mirror. Because for all the growth and innovation shaping our field, one truth has lingered for decades: we’ve failed to build a consistent, sustainable pipeline of people entering construction. We’ve seen this coming. Generations of skilled…