Apprenticeships
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Record Federal Investments in Registered Apprenticeships
Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced new actions to connect Americans to the good-paying jobs created by the President’s Investing in America agenda. White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden and Acting Secretary Julie Su will travel to Williamsport, Pennsylvania to announce more than $244 million to help modernize, diversify and expand the Registered Apprenticeship system…
“Signing Day” Celebration: CarolinaPower Welcomes Three New Apprentices
On Wednesday, June 19, CarolinaPower’s Columbia office welcomed three new employees with an athletic style “signing ceremony,” complete with company-branded jerseys. Caden Dillon, Aiden Kelley and Isaiah Hoskins – all three 2024 graduates of Lexington Technology Center’s electrical program – are entering CarolinaPower’s four-year “earn-while-you-learn” apprenticeship program. CarolinaPower’s Bradley Michie, branch manager for the Columbia…
ABC Survey: Biden’s Proposed Apprenticeship Rule Will Strongly Discourage Construction Apprenticeship Program Participation
According to the results of a new survey of ABC contractor members and chapters published today, the U.S. Department of Labor’s controversial, 180,000-plus word proposed rule overhauling regulations related to government-registered apprenticeship programs—or GRAPs—will discourage apprentices, contractors and ABC chapter apprenticeship program providers from participating in the government-registered apprenticeship system. “Initial feedback on controversial changes to apprenticeship regulations has been…
Recruiting
84 Lumber Advocates for Veterans on National Hire a Veteran Day
84 Lumber, the nation’s largest privately held building materials supplier, proudly supports U.S. veterans and calls on companies to recognize the importance of National Hire a Veteran Day on July 25th, 2024. This day serves as a critical reminder for employers to consider hiring American military veterans transitioning into civilian employment. Experience the full interactive Multichannel…
Creating Space for the Next Generation
Talk to any Gen-Zer and you’ll discover they have a wide range of interests and ideas of what they’d like to bring to the construction industry in coming years. Some focus on technological advances, while others want to embrace new materials and methods or learn from tradition while putting their own mark on the trade. …
Construction Industry Recruiting: Thinking Beyond the Obvious
When we discuss the current shortage of construction employees in our industry, we typically talk about the shortage of skilled trades, project management and engineering personnel. Obviously, people to fill these roles are in short supply, so companies and industry associations are right to focus on promoting careers in the trades and construction management through…
Safety
Let’s Talk about Off-the-Job Safety
At WRYKER Construction Supply, we have talked a lot about on-the-job safety in the Toolbox Talks on our blog. We have covered scaffolding, ladder safety, heat stress, and women’s PPE. Today, we want to talk about something a little bit different: Off-the-job safety. Every year 55,000 people die accidental deaths off-the-job. These deaths come mostly…
Ceremonial Bill Signing Celebrates SC Construction Work Zone Driver’s License Training Law
Carolinas AGC (CAGC) members and staff, along with Sen. Ross Turner (Greenville) and SCDOT Secretary Justin Powell, were excited to join Gov. Henry McMaster for a ceremonial bill signing of the recently passed Operation Work Zone Awareness legislation. This new law, requested by Carolinas AGC and sponsored by Sen. Turner and Rep. Gary Brewer, requires the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to establish a construction…
Flexibility Is Imperative for Effective Heat Safety Protections in Construction
Associated Builders and Contractors today responded to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings proposed rule. “ABC continues to believe employers should equip their employees and leadership teams to develop their own safety plans, unique to their jobsites, and we strongly encourage…
Training
Taking Flight with DISC: Revolutionizing Team Dynamics in Construction
Effective teamwork and communication are crucial in today’s fast-paced, high-stress work environments. As to-do lists grow and deadlines loom, organizations require innovative tools to enhance self-awareness, team performance, engagement and effective leadership. Let me introduce “Taking Flight with DISC” – an enhanced version of the classic DISC assessment that’s taking team building to new heights….
CAGC Online Education & Training Opportunities Available to Members and Non-Members
Carolinas AGC is proud to offer members and non-members alike the opportunity to review our library of online education and training opportunities. These courses were previously offered live but have been recorded and can be watched on-demand at any time. Many of the courses are free for members. Non-members can view these same courses for…
HardHat University Offers Glimpse of Electrical Construction
For the last 18 years, HardHat Workforce Solutions has been the leading go-to staffing company for skilled trades in North and South Carolina. Headquartered in Greensboro, N.C., HardHat Workforce meets the needs of contractors in the Southeast and Atlantic regions through 11 local offices – including seven in the Carolinas – and nationally through our dedicated…
Veterans Programs
3 Reasons You Need to Hire Veterans
The skilled workforce shortage in construction continues to put a strain on project deadlines and budgets. With a projected shortage of more than half a million workers per year, construction companies are looking for solutions to stock their teams with talent. To begin filling the pipeline of workers, industry should consider one demographic as an ideal fit…
Veterans ASCEND and Carolinas AGC Announce Partnership to Connect Military Veterans to Careers in Construction in the Carolinas
Charlotte, NC – July 13, 2021 – Veterans ASCEND and Carolinas AGC (CAGC) have announced a new partnership which will assist military service members, veterans and military spouses in obtaining great careers in the commercial construction industry. This initiative equally serves the construction industry during a time when there is a huge skills gap and…
ABC, USVBA Agree to Promote Veteran Construction Businesses
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) and the U.S. Veterans Business Alliance (USVBA) recently signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on expanding the participation of veteran and disabled veteran businesses in the merit shop construction industry. “ABC members are committed to achieving a fully inclusive and culturally competent workforce that is welcoming to all people,…
More Workforce
Western NC Construction Career Day Draws 600 High Schoolers: Inspiration for a Resilient Region
In early May 2025, the annual Western NC (WNC) Construction Career Day brought together nearly 600 high school students from 14 school districts to explore careers throughout the construction industry. Branch wrote in a recent Company LinkedIn post, “Western North Carolina (WNC) Construction Career Day gave us hope – in our region, the future, and…
Taking Flight with DISC: Revolutionizing Team Dynamics in Construction
Effective teamwork and communication are crucial in today’s fast-paced, high-stress work environments. As to-do lists grow and deadlines loom, organizations require innovative tools to enhance self-awareness, team performance, engagement and effective leadership. Let me introduce “Taking Flight with DISC” – an enhanced version of the classic DISC assessment that’s taking team building to new heights….
CarolinaPower Supports SkillsUSA South Carolina Competition
SkillsUSA is a nonprofit national education association dedicated to ensuring that America has a skilled workforce. The organization focuses on middle-school, high-school and college/postsecondary students preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. CarolinaPower was among a select group of Corporate Partners for the 2025 SkillsUSA South Carolina statewide competition, specifically the Electrical…
ABC Announces the Winners of the 2025 Construction Management Competition
Associated Builders and Contractors has announced the winners of its annual Construction Management Competition, which were honored at ABC Convention 2025 in Las Vegas on Feb. 27. Clemson University, affiliated with the ABC Carolinas chapter, was named the overall winner of the 2025 competition with the highest cumulative points in the five competition categories. A total of 34 teams…
