ALL TOGETHER NOW: GBCA IS BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS WITHIN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TO TACKLE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT HEAD ON BY LAUREN HANAN | GBCA “Workforce shortages remain one of the single most significant threats to the construction industry.” That’s what Stephen E. Sandherr, CEO of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America said after the association published the results of an industry-wide study conducted with Autodesk. The research revealed that 80 percent of contractors have trouble finding talent to fill the craft positions that represent the majority of the industry’s workforce. He added, however, “Construction labor shortages are a challenge that can be fixed.” In and around Philadelphia, the General Building Contractors Association (GBCA) has taken a leadership role in working toward that end. “Workforce development has always been an important element in building and supporting a thriving industry, and as the shortage of workers grows, we recognize it’s now more critical than ever,” says Angela Hendrix, GBCA’s Director of Training & Workforce Development. “At GBCA, we’re dedicated to building a strong local pipeline of talent. Our future as an industry depends on it.” Over the past five-plus years, GBCA has stepped up in a major way to bring partners from across the industry together and deliver on this mission. “GBCA is addressing workforce development with a holistic, head-on approach,” Hendrix adds. “From partnerships with 32 CONSTRUCTION TODAY
local schools and youth groups, to hands-on training, classroom training, work-ready skills training and boots on the ground recruitment, we have created programs that set candidates up for a successful career for life.”
BUILDING THE TALENT PIPELINE While students may begin taking an interest in building or construction-related trades at any point of their academic career, high school – when they’re logically focused on what lies ahead – is the prime time for capturing that interest and channeling it in a productive way. “It’s where the pipeline truly begins,” notes Hendrix. There are several programs in the region that provide opportunities for high school students to learn about careers in the field and start getting hands-on experience. • ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia Leveraging a vast network of industry professionals as mentors, the ACE Mentor Program gives local high school students the opportunity to learn more about careers in architecture, construction and engineering. Mentors groups – including many GBCA member companies, such as Torcon, Inc.; Gilbane Building Company; and Stantec Consulting, Inc – work with
