Two-Thirds of Metros Shed Construction Jobs from August 2019 to August 2020, AGC Urges Congress to Pass COVID Relief

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Construction employment decreased in 241, or 67%, out of 358 metro areas between August 2019 and last month, according to an analysis of new government data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials urged Congress to pass new coronavirus relief measures before leaving town.   “Although residential construction is picking up in many areas, public and nonresidential construction are shrinking,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Project cancellations are spreading, and fewer new projects are starting up. That combination makes further employment declines inevitable unless the federal government steps up support for infrastructure.”   Simonson noted … Read more

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ABC Receives Pledge to America’s Workers Presidential Award

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Associated Builders and Contractors has received the Pledge to America’s Workers Presidential Award, which was presented last month at a White House event. Among nine recipients, ABC was selected based on its achievements in workforce education and fulfilling its 2018 pledge to recruit and upskill at least 500,000 workers by 2023. In 2019 alone, ABC members invested $1.5 billion to provide more than 1.1 million course attendees with craft, leadership and safety education to build a construction workforce that is safe, skilled and productive. Safety education accounted for nearly half of the total workforce investment, averaging more than $1,100 per … Read more

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NCCER, BYF Announce Sixth Annual I Built This! Video Contest

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The sixth annual I BUILT THIS! video contest, presented by NCCER and Build Your Future, is now open. Designed to promote the value of craft skills and construction as an industry of choice, the contest encourages secondary and post-secondary students and trainees to showcase their building projects. For the first time ever, the 2020 I BUILT THIS! video contest has a special theme: Construction is Everywhere! This year has brought some unique circumstances into the lives of students, trainees and instructors. But while education and training may look and feel different, construction remains critical to our future. Students are invited … Read more

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Hilmerson Safety Awarded MN Company to Watch

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Women make an impact across Minnesota’s construction industry on jobsites and behind the scenes. These construction leaders were recognized at the Finance & Commerce inaugural Top Women in Construction awards, where Hilmerson Safety received the Top Women in Construction 2020: Companies to Watch award. Women are recognized in six categories for their innovative approaches to industry development, community involvement and business integrity. Finalists are named in the categories of industry leadership, outstanding tradesperson/craftswoman, outstanding project management/estimating, companies to watch, outstanding service to the profession and professional services.

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CIS Offers WIOA-Approved Crane & Rigging Certification Program

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Crane Industry Services, LLC now offers an introductory crane, rigging, safety and operator certification class that meets Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act requirements for financial aid. The program prepares individuals for great career options in power generation, electric, water and gas utilities, communications or commercial building. Individuals in the introductory classes are trained for OSHA-recognized certification and initial qualifications. In addition to the opportunity to earn crane operator certification, the WIOA-approved program includes training on rigging (connecting) skills, signal person, OSHA 10 safety and an introduction to craft skills. Students will also have opportunities to meet some area employers and … Read more

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