COVID-19 DISRUPTION & RESPONSE


As COVID-19 Reshapes Educational Landscape, Build California Pivots


By Carol Eaton


education, these words were also key themes behind the launch of Build California last year. To reach a new generation of potential construction professionals, Build California knew it needed to disrupt the way construction career outreach and campaign efforts had been done in the past. It set out to chart a new path, working to reshape and change the image of the construction industry to help attract a strong future workforce. Now halfway through 2020 and in


D


the middle of a worldwide pandemic, Build California is renewing its efforts to be a change leader in the industry as it pivots to a new normal. Students are now learning at home; K-12 parents have been forced to step into new roles as home teachers; and educators have had to acquire new skills to accom- modate distance learning, tailoring their curriculum to online platforms. Meanwhile, college students who


are preparing to enter the workforce face unique challenges not only in how they are expected to learn but in the hiring environment and job market


isruption and change. Often used to describe the impact of COVID-19 on industry and


they can expect to face – one that is quite different than it was just a few months ago. “Everyone is in the same position


right now, figuring out how we can best support students, teachers and parents,” said Jordan Powell, AGC of California Director of Workforce Development, as he described how Build California has shifted its focus. “Te biggest component for us is partner building – recognizing the value of partners that we have, both in the education space and in the industry, and collaborating with them on creating this brand-new infra- structure of support for students at home.”


Partnering with SRBX as Design-Build Competition Moves Online


Just one example of that partner


building was Build California’s recent sponsorship of the annual Design-Build competition put on by the Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange May 6-7. Now in its 30th year and moved entirely online in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the SRBX Design-Build Compe- tition drew some 621 students from 40 different high schools. Students


A winning “tiny house” featured during the SRBX Design Build Competition live event.


designed and constructed tiny houses or sheds using materials already available in their homes. Creativity and original design were added to the judging criteria this year, and winners were announced during the live event on May 7. As part of its major sponsorship


AGC of California Director of Workforce Development Jordan Powell 18 July/August 2020


of the event, Build California was namesake of the People’s Choice award. Te winner was selected by participants who voted on their favorite tiny house design from the top six finalists during the live webinar portion of the competition. Te winner received a $500 scholarship. A team of 84 industry judges selected winners


California Constructor


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