discipline, and teamwork that have guided our company for more than 70 years,” she added. “Partnering with AGC CEF and Build California helps prepare the next generation of builders, ensuring our clients can continue to count on the same level of skill, reliability, and quality for decades to come.” Osama Martell, a project executive
for Walsh Group, shared his experience meeting students in the pre-apprentice- ship program. “I was honored with the opportunity to meet the apprenticeship candidates at the Rising Sun [Center for Opportunity] and was impressed with the facility and the staff,” Martell commented. “I chose to participate in this event because it is my belief that all levels of management from all sectors of the construction industry must invest now in the replenishment of talented and passionate craft workers. “Te groups I met with had that de-
sire to develop a career in the construc- tion industry, and I left the [Rising Sun Center] encouraged with the prospects for that group and the apprenticeship program,” Martell added. “I look forward to supporting future AGC of California efforts to recruit and encourage new construction talent!” Sarah Conner-Brown, senior man-
ager of organizational development, XL Construction, noted, “In our industry, where there is a shortage of trade workers, programs like AGC of California [CEF’s] Build California and Rising Sun Center for Opportunity are critical to attract- ing and training our next generation of builders and widening the aperture with all-women cohorts.” Like dozens of other AGC of California
member contractors, XL Construction has also connected with students by hosting them on tours of their jobsites. In 2025, that included a tour of XL Con- struction’s Berkeley City College Milvia
project, where students had a chance to see tradespersons in motion. “We were glad to host a project tour
with AGC of California [CEF’s] Build California and Rising Sun Center for Opportunity,” commented Trace Pesav- ento, vice president field operation at XL Construction. “Te opportunity to walk an active project site provides real-life experience and gives a unique look into what a career in the trades would be like. We look forward to working together on the next tour!”
High School Student Activations Presentations at local high schools
and engagement of high school students through career fairs and other events is another of Build California’s strategies that directly result in growing the construction workforce in California.
A notable example took place in 2025, when Build California hosted a classroom presentation and expo booth for Rancho Verde high school students in Moreno Valley. During the demonstration portion
of the day, several students participated in the “Milwaukee Toolbelt Challenge”
at the Build California booth, a fun and competitive activity in which students attempted to put on the basic gear a tradesperson would use on a jobsite in under three minutes. Tis interactive ac- tivity is regularly hosted at school-based career fairs thanks to Milwaukee Tool’s generous contribution of tools and gear donations to Build California.
Call To Action
Build California provides a variety of avenues for employers to connect with students and their future workforce and encourages companies to get involved in 2026, whether by hosting jobsite tours, contractor or project showcases, classroom visits or some other way. To find out how to engage, raise your company’s visibility and contribute to the future of the industry, contact AGC of California Director, Workforce Development Yuhi Aizawa Combatti at combat-
tiy@agc-ca.org.
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