ASSOCIATION HIGHLIGHTS AGC Construction Education Foundation
Launches Go Build California Initiative Comprehensive workforce development strategy will address state’s labor shortages
workforce problems. Currently, the average age of a construction worker is over 50 years old, and for every five workers who leave the industry, only one replaces them. AGC of California believes the
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lack of interest in the field stems from the elimination of vo-tech education programs and misconceptions about the skills needed, the wages earned and the career possibilities. To combat misunderstandings and
the lack of information provided to younger generations, AGC of California – through its Construction Education Foundation – launched Go Build California to develop and strengthen the professionalism and effectiveness of individuals in the construction industry. “We have been pursuing workforce
development efforts for many years,” AGC of California Chief Executive Officer Tom Holsman said. “Tis latest endeavor with Go Build California will help overcome societal stigmas and get younger folks interested in construction.” Go Build California’s statewide
outreach efforts will engage and educate students and their influencers. “It’s the parents, teachers, and coaches that can influence and emphasize the viable career pathways and hands-on training programs in California’s construction industry,” Holsman said. Te initiative’s purpose is to keep the
workforce strong and steady, and starts by inspiring young people to consider a career in the skilled trades. It also seeks
18 July/August 2017
merica depends on skilled labor, but many states – California among them – face severe
to highlight the long-term career oppor- tunities in the construction craft trades. AGC of California and Go Build
understand perceptions don’t change overnight. “In developing the Go Build
initiative, we realized that a short-term marketing blitz would never cause a paradigm shift in the public’s thinking about the skilled trades,” said Bob Woods, CEO/President of Go Build. “Go Build’s unique, multi-platform is unmatched in its scope, strategy and measurable impact. We are actively engaging and inspiring young people and offering a national rallying cry for our industry to coalesce around: Go Build.” California becomes the fourth Go
California becomes the fourth Go Build state partner, which also includes Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee.
Build state partner, which also includes Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. As part of a sustained public
relations campaign, Go Build California will deploy its message across a variety of mediums – including TV, print and digital advertising, social media channels, an engaging website, grassroots outreach, and educator tools, such as trade videos, classroom materials and more. Go Build Alabama launched in
California Department of Industrial Relations Director Christine Baker, right, and AGC of California President Mike Mencarini help launch Go Build California in May.
2010 and has had a significant impact on filling the skilled labor pipeline. Since 2010, construction-related career tech (CTE) course enrollments have increased by 24 percent over previous years, three out of four apprentice- ships have seen a substantial increase in applications, the state has added 120 new accredited training programs due to student demand, and 51 percent of construction CTE students said Go Build influenced their decision to pursue a career in construction. Go Build also has statewide programs in Georgia and Tennessee. “We are extremely proud to bring
Go Build to California,” said Mike Mencarini, 2017 AGC of California President. “Te success seen in other state campaigns that have launched Go Build is tremendous. Partnering with Go Build advances our [AGC CEF] mission to another level.”
California Constructor
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