ABC Chairman’s Message: October is Careers in Construction Month - by Luiza Mills

Even in a slowing economy, few challenges are more pressing than finding the qualified workers your company needs to succeed.

According to our national parent organization, the construction industry will require 439,000 additional workers this year and another 499,000 in 2026 to meet demand. As experienced workers retire, there simply aren’t enough younger workers to replace them – let alone fill new positions. This shortage persists even though construction is one of the few industries that offers family-sustaining wages without the burden of a college degree and student debt.

Building Mass Careers
In line with our strategic plan, ABC MA and the Gould Construction Institute launched Building Mass Careers (BMC), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, to formalize our workforce development program and provide our members with the skilled workers they need.

Over the past several years, our Chapter has had notable success in securing competitive grants that fund training for a diverse range of individuals. Through BMC, we connect with:

• Massachusetts one-stop career centers;

• Returning veterans and dislocated workers;

• New Americans with construction experience in their home countries;

• Out-of-school youth and individuals with disabilities; and

• Recent college graduates seeking rewarding careers in construction.

We help them recognize that their existing strengths – such as math, problem-solving, or computer skills – are transferable to construction.

BMC Apprenticeship Program
BMC also sponsors the BMC Apprenticeship Program, powered by a coalition of merit shop contractors committed to training the next generation of construction professionals. Today, 96 companies are participating, with 630 apprentices in registered apprenticeship programs – a growing pipeline to meet workforce demand.

Building Our Future Scholarship
To further invest in the future, ABC offers the Building Our Future Scholarship, providing financial assistance to deserving candidates who are either enrolled at the Gould Construction Institute or pursuing post-secondary education in construction.

Take Action This Month
Finding a qualified workforce is a top priority for every contractor. During Careers in Construction Month, we encourage you to take advantage of the resources BMC and ABC MA have developed to help you build the workforce you need.

To learn more, contact: Steve Sullivan, executive director, buildingmasscareers@gmail.com

Together, we can build the workforce that builds Massachusetts!

Luiza Mills is the chairman of Associated Builders and Contractors Inc.-Mass. Chapter and is a senior vice president at Interstate Electrical Services Corp.