INVESTING IN OUR INDUSTRY


the visibility of their individual compa- nies but also contributes to the vitality of the industry by increasing awareness about the many well-paying, diverse career opportunities that are available in the construction industry. From 2024 to 2025, some 19 AGC of California-affiliated contractors participated through Build California to host jobsite tours and/or took part in contractor showcases that engaged over 580 individuals from nearly 20 different schools and pre-apprentice- ship programs.


Building Connections and Growing the Workforce


Build California Making Measurable Impact Connecting Construction Employers with Students and Jobseekers in Multipronged Efforts to Meet Workforce Needs


BY CAROL EATON S 36


ince the AGC of California Construction Education Foundation launched Build


California over six years ago, the ground- breaking workforce development program has served over 139,000 students and jobseekers and helped connect many of them with construction employers throughout the Golden State. With an emphasis on action and ac-


cess, Build California provides an array of in-person connection opportunities throughout the year that bring together


CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR MARCH/APRIL 2026


employers and jobseekers in specific locations, while also managing a variety of social media and digital campaigns that extend those experiences statewide. In 2025 alone, the program served over 33,000 students and jobseekers through a total of 132 careers fairs, classroom presentations and work-based learning opportunities. Contractors across California have


come to rely on Build California to help meet their workforce development goals. Teir involvement not only serves to raise


Contractor Showcases, Jobsite Tours and More Build California serves as a key con- nector between contractors and work- force development programs by creating direct opportunities for engagement with prospective workers. Trough contractor showcases and structured student inter- actions, Build California helps contractors highlight career pathways, company culture, and job opportunities while complementing existing training and pre-apprenticeship’s like the Rising Sun Center for Opportunity’s Women Build the Bay program in Oakland. AGC of California member companies including Joseph J. Albanese, Inc., Walsh Group and XL Construction have participated in these showcases and similar activa- tions, allowing them to connect directly with students in Rising Sun and other programs. “Changing the traditional narrative of the construction industry to one that highlights the leadership, professional- ism, opportunity, and importance of our craft is critical for the future of the built world and for Joseph J. Albanese, Inc.,” commented Melinda Berge, senior project manager and quality control manager for Joseph J. Albanese, Inc. “Speaking with the Rising Sun students gave us the chance to share the integrity,


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