News:
Construction Design & Engineering
Posted: October 18, 2019
October is “Careers in Construction Month”
ABC MA director of workforce development
October is “Careers in Construction Month,” something Governor Charlie Baker is expected to recognize here in Massachusetts with an official state proclamation. It couldn’t come at a better time, as there has never been a greater need to bring more people into the industry. And that need spells opportunity for those who are exploring their career options.
The proclamation notes that construction is one of the nation’s largest industries, employing more than five million people, and that it needs 1.4 million new craft professionals over the next three years alone.
The construction industry’s “earn while you learn” model means employees can go to schools such as ABC’s Gould Construction Institute while they’re working, and member companies routinely pay for the training. Workers emerge with the skills they need to pursue a high-paying career, and without the debt that goes along with entering so many other lucrative fields.
But construction isn’t just for those who choose not to go to college. An ever-more sophisticated and fast-growing industry holds opportunities for individuals with a variety of education levels. And the merit shop model means people can rise as high as their talent and ambition will take them.
ABC’s Building Mass Careers and its accompanying website, http://www.buildingmasscareers.com/, is a great source for learning about construction-related career options.
Massachusetts is fortunate to have both a strong open shop and a strong union sector. Individuals interested in construction can choose based on their own preferences. Regardless of which you select, the industry has never offered more opportunity for rewarding, lucrative careers with unlimited potential for advancement. Come join us!
Karl Hudson is the chairman of Associated Builders and Contractors Inc.-Mass. Chapter, Woburn and is VP of L.C. Anderson, Inc., Brighton, Mass.
MORE FROM Construction Design & Engineering
Timberline Construction Corp. completes renovations for Neurology and Infusion Center of New England
Foxborough, MA Timberline Construction Corp. (Timberline) has completed a 20,000 s/f healthcare construction project for the Neurology and Infusion Center of New England at 18 Washington St. The full interior renovation transforms an existing two-story medical office building into a purpose-built outpatient care environment that doubles the center’s clinical footprint, expands services and positions the growing practice for its next chapter.
.jpg)
Quick Hits
Columns and Thought Leadership
It’s time to lead: Confronting mental health in construction - by David Watts
As we close Mental Health Awareness Month, we must be clear: May isn’t just about ribbons, hashtags, or lunchtime mindfulness apps. It’s about responsibility to confront hard truths that linger in silence, and to challenge ourselves, as leaders in our industry, to do more.
Greenwood Credit Union City Hall Plaza nears completion - by Frank Picozzi
After several years of planning, construction, and anticipation, the community is eagerly awaiting the opening of the Greenwood Credit Union City Hall Plaza and outdoor skating rink later this month.
Navigating tariffs and material uncertainty in today’s construction market - by Karl Ginand and Tiffany Gallo
As headlines around tariffs seem to dominate the news daily, many considering construction projects have anticipated major cost escalations and widespread supply issues. While tariffs haven’t driven pricing spikes to the extent once feared, the lasting impact has been a new layer of uncertainty, affecting more than just budgets.
ABC-Mass. chairman’s message: Rent control isn’t the answer to our housing crisis - by Luiza Mills
As you may know, Massachusetts voters will be weighing in on a number of ballot initiatives in November. Among them is a proposal to impose the nation’s strictest statewide rent control policy. I’d like to tell you why the ABC MA Board