Apprenticeships
Electrical Apprenticeships: A “Best-Kept Secret” Career Option
CarolinaPower’s electrical apprenticeship is becoming more popular each year. In the fall of 2020, the company saw its largest enrollment to date with a total of 33 apprentices in various stages of the rigorous, four-year training programs: 17 in the firm’s Greenville office, four in Columbia, seven in Charleston, and five in North Augusta. …
ABC Celebrates Career Technical Education During Apprenticeship Week
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2020 — Apprenticeships are a key part of Associated Builders and Contractors’ commitment to an all-of-the-above approach for developing a safe, skilled and productive workforce that meets the current and future needs of the construction industry. During the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 8-14, ABC celebrates the value of earn-while-you-learn…
Walker & Whiteside’s Ronny Gillespie Receives National Recognition as Instructor for Skilled Trades and Technical Training
The Upstate South Carolina Electrical Apprenticeship Program announced that one of its instructors – Ronny Gillespie, adjunct instructor for Greenville Technical College’s Skilled Trades and Technical Training – was nationally recognized with the 2020 NISOD Excellence Award. This awards program, which honors those who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment and contribution to their students and…
Recruiting
How SCAPA is Recruiting Road Construction Workers
Deemed an essential service, the asphalt paving industry continues to work to maintain South Carolina’s roads during the COVID-19 crisis. Ashley Batson is executive director of the SC Asphalt Pavement Association (SCAPA), a non-profit trade association representing the asphalt pavement producers in South Carolina, as well as the suppliers to the industry. Batson details the various…
FlexJobs’ Survey Explores Varying Workplace Attitudes of Millennials and Older Workers
FlexJobs released new insights from its August 2018 survey, which gathered responses from over 3,000 workers about key topics related to career, work flexibility, and workplace issues. FlexJobs specifically analyzed and compared responses from members of the millennial generation with those who identified with the baby boomer or silent generation to uncover differences and similarities…
Construction Employment Increases, Despite Challenges Finding Talent
Construction employment increased in 256 out of 358 metro areas between April 2017 and April 2018, declined in 63 and was unchanged in 39, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that the data showed a continuation of strong labor demand…
Safety
McCrory Construction Promotes Barry Schilling to Director of Safety and Risk Management
Columbia, South Carolina — McCrory Construction announces the promotion of Barry Schilling to Director of Safety and Risk Management. Joining McCrory in 2012 as a Senior Project Manager and serving the last seven years as Compliance Manager, Schilling is responsible for implementing companywide safety and compliance measures among employees as well as with subcontractors on…
Paragon Safety Group Acquires Job Ready Services
In order to address requests for a complete risk management solution, Paragon Safety Group has acquired Job Ready Services, the Triangle’s leading provider of fit-for-duty employment testing and work conditioning services. Josh Mauney, CEO and Founder of Paragon Safety Group, noted, “Our clients have long been asking for a complete solution for their safety and health…
CAGC Foundation Grant Funds FREE Safety Training for Contractors: Available through End of December
Two organizations that have received a CAGC Foundation grant will be providing COVID-19 training resources for free for the construction industry. OSEA/NC has developed a training curriculum designed to inform, engage, and protect construction company workers who risk infection from the virus in workplaces that are unique to the construction industry. Up to 90 one-hour, web-based training…
Training
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…
Duke Energy Awards $3.2 million to Innovative Education Programs
Duke Energy announcedit is awarding $3.2 million in grants to support 131 innovative K-12 education programs across the communities served by the company. “Bright futures begin in the classroom, and every child deserves a fair chance at academic success,” said Cari Boyce, president of the Duke Energy Foundation. “The grants we are making today are…
NCCER Releases New Construction Superintendent Certification Program
NCCER has released a new superintendent assessment and is partnering with FMI® to offer a joint certification to qualified professionals in the superintendent field. The assessment was developed in conjunction with subject matter experts for professionals whose primary role is to oversee the operations of a construction site from planning to completion. This joint certification…
Veterans Programs
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,…
Making the Move from Military to Industry
I’ll admit, I’m in awe of the range of skills our veterans are learning in the military—from pipefitting to heavy equipment operation—and the connection to our industry. It seems like it would be a natural transition from the military to industry but it can be complicated. Terminology in skill levels and jobs are just a…
A Month For Heroes
November is a month that we traditionally try to give thanks and acknowledge the good in our lives. We get together with friends and family; we cook big meals or find a quiet restaurant; we share something we’re thankful for each day on social media; and we hope that we’re able to sneak home leftover…
More Workforce
Introducing “Construction Careers Academy” at Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, NC
Catawba Valley Community College’s (CVCC) “Construction Careers Academy” is a cooperative partnership between CVCC, Hickory (NC)-area construction companies, the Chamber of Catawba County, and the Catawba Valley and Hickory Home Builders Associations. The goal is to actively identify and develop a skilled construction workforce for the future. Individuals interested in exploring and developing careers in…
NAWIC in the Carolinas: Celebrating WIC Week 2021
National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) chapters across the country – including the association’s nine active chapters in the Carolinas – have a wide range of special events and community initiatives planned for National Women in Construction (WIC) Week 2021 – scheduled for March 7 – 13, 2021. WIC Week provides an occasion for…
NAWIC Coming to Cape Fear
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is looking for charter members for its new Cape Fear Chapter in the Wilmington, N.C. area. If you are interested in promoting and supporting women in the construction industry, sign up for one of two information sessions: March 3, 2021 – 5 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. March…
2021 Virtual “Power UP: It’s a Mother-Daughter Thing”
Power UP is celebrating six years of introducing young women to the unlimited career paths offered by the construction industry. Power UP’s founder Dr. Mittie Cannon has always wanted to expand the non-profit’s flagship event, Power UP: It’s a Mother-Daughter Thing, beyond Birmingham, Alabama. With the event being virtual this year, people from across the Carolinians can now…
