NCCER Releases Directives to Revitalize U.S. Workforce Development System

ALACHUA, Fla. — At the crossroads of a thriving future society and innovation lies the nation’s construction industry, where everything begins. The backbone of our society rests on the craft professionals who build our hospitals and schools, wire electricity within our homes and bring us indoor plumbing. The perception of craft professionals has become one of low- or middle-skill workers when, the reality is, the world as we know it would not exist without their expertise. “Craftsmanship is defined as ‘the beautiful or impressive quality of something that has been made using a lot of skill’. Construction craft professionals exhibit … Read more

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A Chat with Kasie Bowden, Project Superintendent at Hensel Phelps

Motivation, satisfaction and all things Women in Construction Operations By: Chris Maday Schmidt Kasie Bowden, project superintendent, LEED AP, at Hensel Phelps, lives for a great challenge. She says it’s what makes coming to work so appealing each day. Join Construction Superintendent as Bowden talks about her involvement with Women in Construction Operations, advice for women considering a job in construction and her take on the skilled trade worker shortage, plus the challenges of juggling multiple hats on one project and what makes her tick. (Q) What was the catalyst that led you to a career in construction? In college, … Read more

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Pilot Program at Middle School Introduces Students to Skilled Trades

C.A.C.T.U.S. (Careers in Architecture, Construction and Trades Uplifting Students) is a pilot program after-school club bringing students and construction professionals together to learn about the exciting career pathways available. Students at Madison Park Middle School in Phoenix, Arizona are working with owners, presidents, project managers, superintendents, various trade professionals and more to learn about the design and build process in the built environment. Six teams of students have designed and built dog houses throughout the semester using plans, tools and hands-on learning experiences. Madison Park Middle School is hosting its annual student Maker Faire from 5-7 p.m. on May 17 … Read more

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Lincoln Tech, Johnson Controls Team Up To Build Technical Workforce of the Future

WEST ORANGE, N.J. – Lincoln Educational Services Corporation has entered into an agreement with Johnson Controls to provide expanded career opportunities for Lincoln Tech graduates and to help build the Johnson Controls workforce. This marks the second partnership with a global employer that Lincoln has announced within the last several weeks. Graduates of Lincoln Tech’s Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning and Electrical and Electronic Systems Technology training programs throughout the country will have the opportunity to pursue careers with Johnson Controls, which will assist Lincoln in recruiting new students for these programs. Johnson Controls will provide training equipment and sponsor … Read more

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Using Technology to Deal with Construction Labor Shortage

By Dr. Sergey Sundukovskiy The ongoing labor shortage in the construction industry is a chronic issue that isn’t going away. The construction industry must turn to technological solutions to help manage increasingly complicated projects with fewer workers. It’s been nearly a decade since the worst days of the Great Recession and the housing market crash. An estimated 30 percent of construction workers left the field during the economic downturn. The skilled construction labor pool has never recovered. More than 70 percent of construction firms reported having trouble recruiting for hourly craft labor positions in August 2017, according to the Associated … Read more

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