Apprenticeships
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…
Government-Registered Apprenticeship Programs Not Keeping Up With Construction Industry Needs
At current rates of participation and completion, federal and state government-registered apprenticeship programs, or GRAPs, will fail to meet the construction industry’s short- and long-term skilled workforce needs, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of recently released U.S. Department of Labor data. ABC estimates that the construction industry’s federal and state GRAPs had about…
ABC Carolinas Celebrates Electrical Apprentice Graduations
ABC Carolinas (ABCC), which is marking its 25th anniversary as an ABC chapter this year, celebrated their members’ 2023 Electrical Apprentices over the past two weeks with graduation ceremonies for the individuals enrolled in the chapter’s four-year Apprenticeship and Craft Training program. This year, ABC Carolinas graduated 31 electrical apprentices from Charlotte, and four from…
Recruiting
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…
Why Should I Work for You?
In a competitive market for qualified construction professionals, it is so important to make sure you are promoting what your company can offer and highlighting company culture is key in competing for the right people for your team. It’s always surprised me how many construction company owners and hiring managers sometimes have trouble describing their…
Safety
Working at Heights: 17 Scaffolding Safety Tips
Safety is a top concern when working at heights. Alarmingly, scaffolding-related incidents lead to approximately 4,500 injuries annually. Accidents frequently cause physical injuries and also lead to serious financial issues. This includes lost workdays costing an estimated $90 million, potential fines, and higher insurance premiums. Fortunately, there are many ways for companies to protect their…
OSHA’s Top 10 Cited Safety Violations in 2023
OSHA has released its “Top Ten” list of the most cited safety violations of last year. The largest number of violations were observed in the Construction Industry. The Top Ten include: This list should be reviewed by each employer engaged in construction or general industry in order to develop a safety plan, including employee safety…
Werner Tips Off Ladder Safety Month a Day Early
Werner, the World leader in ladders and the Official Ladder of NCAA® March Madness®, tipped off Ladder Safety Month this morning with ladder safety training events across the country. Recognizing 2024 as a leap year, the Jobsite Safety and Security (JSS) team identified the opportunity to add an extra day to spread the word about ladder safety….
Training
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…
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…
Veterans Programs
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,…
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…
More Workforce
Working at Heights: 17 Scaffolding Safety Tips
Safety is a top concern when working at heights. Alarmingly, scaffolding-related incidents lead to approximately 4,500 injuries annually. Accidents frequently cause physical injuries and also lead to serious financial issues. This includes lost workdays costing an estimated $90 million, potential fines, and higher insurance premiums. Fortunately, there are many ways for companies to protect their…
GroundBreak Carolinas Presents Inaugural Episode of Let’s Talk Construction Video Talk Show & Podcast
We are excited to announce the rollout of a new construction industry video talk show and podcast, Let’s Talk Construction®, hosted by long-time South Carolina business publisher Rick Jenkins in partnership with GroundBreak Carolinas. Guests include construction industry C-level executives, community leaders and government officials. Each episode is recorded and archived on the show’s YouTube channel and available for download on popular…
Women Talk Construction Achieves Milestone: 100th Episode.
After exactly two years, and 16,000+ downloads by listeners from around the world, Women Talk Construction co-hosts Christi Powell and Angela Gardner unveiled WTC’s 100th episode! Be sure to listen to this special anniversary episode (original air date: March 4, 2024) with guest Katie Page, Director of Team Development for Hoopaugh Grading Company in Charlotte,…
Tackling Workforce Challenges
In the inaugural episode of Let’s Talk Construction, host Rick Jenkins interviews Chris Moore, CarolinaPower’s President, on solutions for the workforce challenges facing the construction industry. Moore recently served as chair of the ABC Carolinas.