Twenty-six teams of undergraduate students from colleges and universities nationwide put their construction project leadership skills to the test during Associated Builders and Contractors’ annual Construction Management Competition, held virtually for the first time this month. The four-person teams, which were assigned to complete the same construction management project, received awards in five categories. The team from Florida International University won the overall competition, as well as first place in estimating and project management. The University of Wisconsin-Platteville won first place in safety and Montgomery College in Rockville, Maryland won first place in quality control. The University of Cincinnati (Ohio) … Read more
New Data Shows Signs of Construction Recovery, Need for Federal Assistance
A new survey by the Associated General Contractors of America, and data from construction technology firm Procore, show that construction activity is returning to pre-coronavirus levels in many parts of the country and some firms are adding workers.The new economic data, however, also shows some future projects are being canceled and many others are being delayed by supply chain issues and labor shortages, underscoring the need for additional federal recovery measures, association officials noted. “Many of the immediate economic impacts of the coronavirus have passed and, as a result, activity and hiring are up, a bit,” said Ken Simonson, the … Read more
Lift & Move USA Launches New Website for Students, Educators + Industry Professionals
The crane, rigging and specialized transportation industry relies on people with technical skills, but faces a shortage of qualified workers. In order to promote the career opportunities in this fast-paced, high-tech sector, Lift & Move USA connects students and educators with the people, equipment and companies that work in crane, rigging and specialized transportation operations. A new website, launched in May 2020, now showcases the careers, industries and types of work related to this specialty field. Additional resources available on the site include information on where to get training, certifications and scholarships. Industry professionals can also find ideas for engaging … Read more
AGC Reports Construction Jobs Rise by 464K, Remain Below Recent Peak
Construction employment rebounded by 464,000 jobs in May, but the total remained 596,000 below the latest peak in February and the industry’s 12.7% unemployment rate was the highest for May since 2012, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data. Association officials cautioned that the future job losses are likely as temporary federal support programs end, state and local officials deal with tighter budgets and private sector demand declines later this year. “The huge pickup in construction employment in May is good news and probably reflects the industry’s widespread receipt of Paycheck Protection … Read more
Training Grant Awarded Ironworker Skills Institute
The Steel Erectors Association of America has awarded the Ironworker Skills Institute, located in Pell City, Alabama, this year’s SEAA Craft Training Grant. Designated for member companies who are newly implementing SEAA/NCCER Ironworker Training and Assessment programs, the grant covers initial setup, training for administrators, instructors and coordinators and custom training materials for Ironworker Levels 1-3, or similar curriculum. Now in its fifth year of operation, the Ironworker Skills Institute was established by John Garrison of Garrison Steel, for ironworkers to get training on rigging, welding and the use of safety equipment and tools. In 2017 Garrison was able to … Read more