MOVING MOUNTAINS
Attracting and Retaining the Next Generation of Workers
BY STEVE RULE, PRESIDENT, AGC OF CALIFORNIA I
find it hard to believe we are heading into the last quarter of 2024. My year as AGC of California President seems to be flying by. Soon I will be stepping aside and turning “the reins” over to my successor, Pat Kelly. I know he will do a great job steering the association in 2025. Already this year I have had the op- portunity to attend several district events, and I have truly enjoyed meeting and talking with many of you. With each conversation, I am reminded why I love this industry – it’s the people! Te passion and enthusiasm I see in the members I speak with makes it hard for me to believe anyone wouldn’t want to work in construction.
It is my love for this industry that makes me want to ensure it continues to evolve with new ideas and new people. Workforce development was one of the issues I discussed in my installation speech back in February. Our ability as an industry to attract new craft workers, engineers, superintendents, and man- agers is critical to our ongoing success. Build California, now in its fifth year, is making a significant difference in work- force development by introducing our industry to the next generation. As I said in February, however, it is not just about raising awareness of the benefits of our industry; once we attract new people, our focus must swing to re- taining them. We are fortunate that the AGC of California is focused on this as well through the Emerging Leaders program, training programs, and by providing many
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CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2024
Our ability as an industry to attract new craſt workers, engineers, superintendents, and managers is critical to our ongoing success.
opportunities to grow networks through district events and statewide events like Construct, to name just a few. Finally, there needs to be continued focus on building a positive worker ex- perience on our jobsites. Regardless of whether you are a new craftworker or engineer, you should be treated with respect on a worksite that is free of hate and bias. A bad first day can easily result in an individual leaving the industry forever. We simply cannot afford the loss of time and resources that result from individuals leaving – not to mention that creating a safe and respectful worksite is simply the right thing to do.
Our fall conference is on the horizon, and I look forward to seeing many of you at Construct 2024. It represents a great opportunity to build your network, share best practices and learn what’s the next big thing in our industry will be. Tank you all so much for what you do every day to make our industry better and stronger!
Stve Rul
Kindest Regards, Steve Rule, President
Published bi-monthly for members of the Associated General Contractors of California 3095 Beacon Boulevard West Sacramento, CA 95691 (916) 371-2422
www.agc-ca.org
PUBLISHER Al Rickard Association Vision (703) 402-9713
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EDITOR Carol A. Eaton Eaton Communications (707) 789-9520 carol@eaton
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ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Carolyn Ward Association Vision (704) 677-3051
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CORRESPONDENCE Address editorial and circulation correspondence to: California Constructor AGC of California 3095 Beacon Blvd., West Sacramento, CA 95691 (916) 371-2422 or call Carol Eaton at (707) 789-9520 or
eatonc@comcast.net
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COPYRIGHT 2023
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