BUILD CALIFORNIA Celebrating a Year of Firsts:


Build California Initiative Marks Big Wins in First Year


By Caity Heim, AGC of California Communications and Marketing Manager


I


f there is one adage in construction that rings true, it’s that nothing great is built alone. Te AGC of California and


the AGC Construction Education Foundation took this to heart as they launched the Build California Initiative one year ago, officially kicking off a groundbreaking workforce devel- opment program that was created to inspire, engage and activate the next generation of California’s construction workforce. Te comprehensive program offered a response to industry concerns around a sustained pipeline of qualified craft workers in future generations. Tey built a coalition of 32 vision-


aries, rule-breakers, movers, and shakers and got right to work. Tis diverse network of people and organi- zations — from AGC members, public agencies, private owners, associations, unions, apprenticeship programs, non-profits, and more — is united by the need for this initiative and a shared passion to usher in the next generation.


Informing and Inspiring Since its launch, Build California


has informed and inspired a new generation of construction profes- sionals using a robust mix of outreach and programmatic efforts to engage and activate California’s 12 to 24-year- olds in ways the industry has never seen. To date, Build California has


reached more than 4.4 million people with the rallying call: You, too, can Build A Legacy™ in today’s construction industry.


www.AGC-CA.org During the past 12 months, these


efforts have made strides in preparing future construction professionals for their careers and, ultimately, trans- forming perceptions about the industry as a whole. Following are a few of the biggest wins during the past year.


“The future of the construction industry hinges on the thoughtful cultivation of a strong, steady workforce. In its first year, the Build California initiative has leveraged research and data to take informed steps toward inspiring, engaging, and activating Generation Z, and it has paid off! We have seen millions engaged in Build California’s mix of outreach and programmatic


efforts with positive reactions. My colleagues and I at Blach Construction are proud to be one of the founding partners of this effort, and we look forward to seeing its tremendous impact for many years!” – Mike Blach,


AGC of California President


An attendee stands by a Build California display at an Oakland Unified School District Skilled Trades Career Fair held in February 2020. East Bay MUD, California Community Colleges, Tradeswomen Inc., and the Bay Area Apprenticeship Coordinators Association (BAACA) were among those in attendance.


Coalition Building With a diverse network of organiza-


tions — from AGC members, public agencies, private owners, associations, unions, apprenticeship programs, non-profits, and more — the coalition provides the voice to support our industry. All the organizations in the coalition are united by the need for this initiative and are working together to get it done. Trough its vast network of more


than 30 organizations, Build California is able to amplify and build influence within all corners of the industry. Te initiative has introduced coalition members to eager, young audiences with more than 50 social media features, garnering thousands of impressions through livestream social media events.


Continued on page 8 Associated General Contractors of California 7


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