Workforce Development - Working For You!

• By: admin
• On: 12/05/2023 16:34:50
• In: Tech Student

Several years ago the AGC of Western Kentucky Board of Directors had the foresight to begin initiatives in workforce development long before the current construction labor shortage was realized. If you are not already familiar with the term, workforce development in the construction industry  means encouraging students as young as elementary school all the way through college to consider construction careers and prepare them for their first industry job. After these individuals are employed, development allows employers to educate and promote existing employees.
 
At first, workforce development took the shape of classroom projects with students and building relationships with educators. Now the AGC of Western Kentucky's workforce development program has grown and transitioned into something greater, and hopefully more valuable, for our members.
 
Joel Crider, electrical inspector and former ATC electrical instructor, has been serving as Workforce Development Coordinator for the last 5 years. With AGC having the staff and the opportunity to focus on workforce development, a series of new initiatives have been born. Joel currently manages the AGC Technical Student of the Week program that highlights student talent during the academic year. Joel also works closely with the principals and staff at the regional technical schools identifying students and assisting our members with recruiting via the One App job application system. He also regularly attends career fairs where he represents the local construction industry and helps make students aware of construction career opportunities.

Not only do we promote workforce development at the school level, we also support collegiate level development via the MSU AGC Student Chapter and the CLC. AGC's CLC (Young Constructors) group is promoting professional development for those in early to mid-career positions allowing young leaders the opportunity to learn, grow, and network together.

How is this valuable to our members? The answer seems clear. In a competitive labor market, our members need representatives to encourage construction careers and ensure access to skilled workers. Our relationships with the schools have helped to create a pool of workers with entry-level skills who can work in our local industry. The students and CLC members of today will likely be business owners in a few years. Workforce Development initiatives give us the chance to know them now and grow them into the type of honest and fair-dealing leaders that will ensure the security of our association for years to come.   

If you are interested in getting involved with the local ATC schools, attending career fairs, participating in the CLC, or if you have recruiting needs, reach out to Joel Crider at the AGC office at (270) 744-6261.