COVID-19 Response (Part 1): What You Need to Know to Protect Your Crews

Amidst the growing uncertainties surrounding the global pandemic, it’s critical that we do what we can to slow the spread of COVID-19—while at the same time attempt to maintain “business as usual” —with safeguards in place to better protect the safety and well-being of employees, trade partners, clients and the general public. The following recommended best practices, recently published by The Builder’s Association, are based on what is presently known about the coronavirus disease. As this issue progresses or recedes, the organization strongly recommends contractors stay current and immediately implement the most up-to-date best practices going forward. Personal responsibilities It … Read more

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Kickoff Celebration Held for NCCER-Certified Apprenticeship Program

Workforce Solutions of Williamson County in Texas, along with TDIndustries, recently held a kickoff celebration of TD’s registered apprenticeship program. In a partnership with North Texas’ Construction Education Foundation, TD provides a 20-week training program for HVAC and plumbing employees as their first step of apprenticeship. Participants can learn the basics of pipefitting, plumbing and sheet metal work in the first course, and receive advanced training in subsequent semesters. The National Center for Construction Education and Research has certified this program. The first class began Thursday, Jan. 23 and runs through June 11. Presently, 17 TD partners are enrolled in … Read more

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ABC Announces New Construction Technology and Innovation VP

Associated Builders and Contractors announced that Matthew Abeles has been appointed to the newly created role of vice president of construction technology and innovation. In this position, Abeles will spearhead efforts to integrate construction technology and innovation into all aspects of ABC’s strategic initiatives, particularly total human health, world-class safety and workforce development. “As technology and breakthrough innovations continue to transform the construction industry, we’re thrilled to have Matt’s expertise and counsel,” said Michael Bellaman, ABC’s president and CEO. “In the last decade, construction technologies have revolutionized how we connect through the design, build and delivery processes, but our industry … Read more

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Pandemic Halts or Delays Projects for 28% of Contractors, Survey Finds

The coronavirus pandemic has caused more than one out of four contractors to halt or delay work on projects, according to a survey released by the Associated General Contractors of America. The survey results show how quickly market conditions have changed compared to data showing a majority of metro areas added construction jobs through January. Association officials noted that a relief bill the Senate is considering includes some favorable tax and loan provisions. But they said the bill also needs new infrastructure investments and improvements to the new paid sick and family medical leave measures. “The coronavirus pandemic has the … Read more

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Under Construction: A New High School, a World of Career Options

JE Dunn Construction recently gave 73 freshmen engineering students from Jenkins High School a site-tour introduction to managing a construction project from the ground up — in this instance, a brand new Jenkins High to replace the existing school facility built in the 1950s in Chatham County, Georgia. This was an especially exciting experience for students who will soon be walking the hallways and continuing their high school experience at the newly constructed school. JE Dunn is the construction manager for the $57.8-million project for Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, delivering a 239,000-square-foot, two-story instructional building on the existing 40-acre Jenkins … Read more

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