culture, workforce retention, and expand- ed mentorship opportunities within the broader construction industry. “Supporting the Women Build Cal-


ifornia Summit is an investment in the future of our industry and our team. Con- struction needs skilled, motivated people, and that means creating opportunities for everyone who wants to build a career in this business,” Albanese commented. “Women bring perspective, leadership,


and problem-solving that make teams better. Te more we encourage women to come in and move up, the stronger we all get. Te growth of JJA, and the industry in general, stems from the talent of our people and the environment we create for that talent to flourish,” he said. “Te Summit created space to address both of these critical factors, and I am proud of the small role we played in it.” Albanese concluded, “Te best part of our industry is the environment it provides for people to grow their ca- reers. AGC of California’s commitment to growing women’s role in our industry is admirable and valuable.”


Building the Workforce Through Education Te inaugural Build California Educators Summit, hosted at the Southern Califor- nia Laborers Training School in Azusa, highlighted the growing momentum behind construction career education across the state. Representatives from the Inland Empire, Los Angeles County, Orange County, and San Diego County gathered to explore workforce pathways and strengthen connections between education and industry. 100% of the par- ticipants who came into the summit with minimal understanding of construction career pathways closed the gap entirely with their more knowledgeable peers by the end of the summit. Throughout the day, participants


24


CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026


experienced three educational sessions, including a tour of the Laborers Training School, where they engaged in a variety of hands-on activities, a panel Q&A with specialty contractors on how to guide students who want to start union trades careers, and roundtable discussions with general contractors on leadership skills that help entry-level professionals thrive in the construction industry. “Te entire event was very valuable,


but if I had to select one, it would be the presentation on understanding the con- struction career pathways and its visuals,” said Norma Sanchez, with Bell Senior High School in Los Angeles Unified School Dis- trict. “As a counselor, I meet many students who are interested in the trades but are not familiar with all the opportunities and


pathways that are available.” To extend the summit’s impact, Build


California distributed 60 Educator Toolkits filled with classroom-ready career explo- ration materials, apprenticeship resourc- es, and outreach tools. Tese resources empower educators to introduce students to rewarding careers in construction long after the event has ended. By equipping educators who col-


lectively reach thousands of students each year, Build California is building a sustainable, statewide network of career advocates. This long-term approach embeds construction career awareness directly into schools and classrooms, helping ensure future generations are exposed to the opportunities available in California’s construction industry.


“Having a summit where you can really connect or reconnect with people, have learning experienc s within the network a


talk about comm issues and try to


mmon


solutions together is aluable.”


just really v luable - Melissa Berg, Director


tor of


Inclusion, Culture and Engagement, Dome Construction


nd d Enga


y to find th


erienceswithin and


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36