Build Your Career Program to Tackle Construction Workforce
Shortage
(Please
support the Build Your Career program by donating online at
www.buildyourcareer.us)
February 8, 2017 – Charlotte, NC – The CAGC Foundation
announces the launch of a construction industry-wide program, Build Your Career, to help tackle the
biggest challenge in North Carolina and South Carolina—the shortage of a
skilled workforce at a time when there are thousands of well-paying, career
opportunities available in the construction industry in both states.
The goal of Build Your Career (BYC) is to get
more people aware of construction career opportunities by launching education
efforts on the middle school and high school levels, as well as in community
colleges, and with individuals wanting to change careers. To do this, BYC will
send construction industry leaders out into the school system to educate students,
educators and parents about what a terrific career the construction industry
offers. BYC emphasizes that the construction industry offers well-paying and
rewarding jobs that need to be filled now.
CAGC Foundation Chair Claudia Dodgen of Crowder
Constructors Inc., sees BYC as a construction ambassador program and financial
vehicle that can turn things around by putting enthusiastic young men and women
in promising careers. Careers, for example, where it’s not unusual for a welder
to make $90,000 a year; or a crane operator to make $60,000 a year; or a
carpenter to make $50,000 a year—all with the potential to move into incredible
lifelong careers. However, according to Dodgen, “the CAGC Foundation can’t do it alone.
Please be our partner in helping solve this challenge by donating to BYC
today.” (To donate, visit www.buildyourcareer.us.)
Carolinas AGC has been
meeting with other industry stakeholders to provide a home-grown program that
will enhance the entire construction industry, and has sponsored career day
events in both North Carolina and South Carolina. Thousands of high school
students were exposed to a variety of construction craft professions, given an
opportunity to experience hands on activities, and were provided information
about the training needed to become a skilled craftsperson. With support, this
effort can be amplified in 2017 and beyond.
BYC’s
goals for 2017 include recruiting 42 volunteer ambassadors from within the
construction industry to meet with students in their area to promote
construction as a career, as well as host booths at 14 career fairs throughout
the Carolinas. BYC will also promote construction firms who already have
similar programs, such as Contract Construction and LCI-Lineberger in South
Carolina, and Pinnix, Inc. and State Utility Contractors in North Carolina. Greg
Hughes of Contract Construction and past CAGC Foundation chair said it best: “I have built lots of schools and now it’s
time for me to give back to the students in those schools.”
For more information,
visit www.buildyourcareer.us, call Roddy Craft at Carolinas AGC, 704/995-3901
or email Roddy at rcraft@carolinasagc.org.