Kaylin Leas Wins Empowering Women in Industry Initiative 2021 Tradeswoman of the Year Award

TDIndustries, Inc.’s Fort Worth, Texas’ construction partner and “welder woman” Kaylin Leas was awarded 2021 Tradeswoman of the Year by the Empowering Women in Industry initiative. Empowering Women in Industry is an online community with the mission to connect, educate and empower women to not only inspire the next generation of leaders, but provide a community for those currently leading. The conference was held in October in Chicago, Illinois. A former high school rodeo champion, Leas began welding on the job by befriending other welders and learning the trade. After diligent practice, she passed her first welding test in 2013. … Read more

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Partnership Helps Skilled Trades Job Seekers

In recent years, a skilled talent shortage has plagued the construction industry. Some organizations suggest the deficit has become a crisis, especially given the coming infusion of federal infrastructure funds and the growing need for workers. To help individuals of all backgrounds benefit from these opportunities and prepare the industry to meet increased demands, the SkillPointe Foundation and Building Talent Foundation have partnered to help develop, place and support skilled construction industry workers. Under this new partnership, BTF will provide career coaching and job placement services at no cost to SkillPointe Scholarship recipients seeking residential construction industry jobs, and SkillPointe … Read more

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Two-Thirds of Metro Areas Add Construction Jobs from October 2020 to October 2021

Nearly two out of three U.S. metro areas added construction jobs between October 2020 and October 2021, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government employment data. Association officials noted that the job gains would likely have been larger and more widespread if firms weren’t dealing with the twin challenges of supply chain problems and labor shortages. “While it is heartening that construction is recovering from the lows of 2020 in much of the country, the pandemic is still causing major supply-chain problems and is keeping some workers from seeking employment,” said Ken Simonson, the … Read more

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2021 Impact Review Reports Progress toward Building Sustainable Residential Construction Workforce

Nonprofit organization Building Talent Foundation has released its first Annual Impact Review highlighting the foundation’s progress toward building a sustainable residential construction workforce by 2030. BTF collaborates with builders, trade partners, manufacturers, foundations and educational partners to enhance people’s lives by connecting them with job skills training and career opportunities. Ultimately, BTF projects these connections will result in 10,000 job-ready candidates in the construction sector in the next year. As part of its effort to connect candidates with employers and training programs, BTF led 387 events during 2021, including hiring and career events, job fairs and presentations. Through these events, … Read more

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National Association Reports Construction Firms Add 44K Jobs in October, Struggle with Supply Chain Challenges

The construction industry added 44,000 jobs between September and October as nonresidential construction firms posted back-to-back increases for the first time since January, according to an analysis of government date by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the employment gains were welcome news but cautioned that employment levels remain well-below pre-pandemic totals as firms struggle with supply chain problems, labor shortages and federal inaction on infrastructure funding. “It is encouraging to see continuing job growth in nonresidential construction but the industry remains far behind the overall economy in recovering all of the job losses from the pandemic,” … Read more

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