INVESTING IN OUR INDUSTRY


Contractor Involvement is Key to Programs’ Success Programs like Rising Sun and the high school CTE programs rely heavily on the involvement of and partnerships with industry contractors, many of whom are AGC of California members, to create the most successful experience for students both during their training and after they promote out. A few of the most effective ways that contractors are having an im- pact: sending their professionals in to visit the programs as guest speakers, offering construction jobsite walks to students, and directly connecting them with career and sponsorship opportunities at their companies after graduation, to name a few. One specific goal that Osuna has for his


program at Fresno High School is “making more connections with big companies, general contractors, so that we can actually create partnerships that offer students opportunities for paid internships.” Hanger pointed to a recent success in which a single general contractor directly hired over two dozen graduates from his program to work as apprentice union carpenters, demonstrating how such programs can be an effective conduit to move new workers into the construction workforce pipeline. But the panelists agreed that there is a need for more general contractors to participate and partner with their programs, working through Build California’s career coun- seling and placement service, to help expand on that success.


Making an Impact: Build California Ambassador Ellie Sanchez While school CTE and pre-apprenticeship programs like those at Fontana High, Fres- no High and Rising Sun are key partners that help make Build California’s work successful, industry Ambassadors play an equally important role. One newer Ambassador who joined the program


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CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024


Call To Action:


Support Build California’s efforts to inform people and communities across the state about the real career opportunities available in construction! Visit www. buildcalifornia.com/sponsor/ to learn more about funding our program or become a Build California Ambassador by visiting www.buildcalifornia.com/ ambassadowww.buildcalifornia. com/ambassadors/ today.


this spring, Elizabeth “Ellie” Sanchez, is already making a big impact. An estimating coordinator in the Los


Angeles area office of Shawmut Design and Construction, Sanchez joined the construction industry six years ago after working in the retail sector for 10 years. A young single mother, she took a leap of faith to accept an administrative position with a general contractor when offered the opportunity. Although fear initially made her hesitate to take on a new role in an industry she had never considered before, she said it is the best decision she ever made. Since then, Sanchez has worked for


three different general contractors and moved up to new roles with greater re- sponsibility by “being curious,” taking the initiative, and asking coworkers in other departments if she could help with tasks that allowed her to learn and advance. “Training within the construction


industry is there if you want it,” she said. “Tey are willing to teach you if you are willing to learn.” She credits her curiosity as well as leadership mentors who supported her growth, especially Daniel Dumke, 2024 AGC CEF vice chair and senior director at Shawmut Design and Construction, with


championing her success. Now, she relishes the opportunity


to champion and mentor others. She accepted the call to become a Build Cali- fornia Ambassador this spring, motivated by the opportunity to introduce young people – especially young women – to construction careers. She has already made a huge impact, attending at least five career outreach events and regularly making herself available to connect stu- dents with the industry.


Contractors Gain When Their Employees Advocate for the Industry Being a Build California Ambassador not only benefits Sanchez’s employer, Shaw- mut, by providing them with exposure to a future workforce and connections to students who may move into the industry, but she finds it personally satisfying to make an impact on young people who may not know about the many opportu- nities for lucrative and rewarding careers in construction. “Construction changed my life, and I


want to do the same for others,” she said. “Being a Build California Ambassador has been a blessing in disguise because it has allowed me to use the platform to engage with students on a more personal level and join in great conversation and answer any questions they have.” “Sometimes as I speak to them, espe- cially the girls, I see their faces light up when I tell them I am in construction, because they see a woman,” she added. “I feel like I inspire and empower them to be curious and ask questions. We can impact the youth and mentor them to greatness. Knowledge is power, and the more they know, the more participants we will have who are curious about con- struction. Build California is making a change in the future of our youth by being that resource.”


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