ABC members that attend the 21st Century Workforce Development Conference April 30-May 3 in Birmingham, Ala., will have the opportunity to sign up for one of the seven education Academies, including the Construction Education Professionals Academy, the Financial Management Academy and the Human Resources Academy. Learn more at 21wfdc.abc.org. 

Held in partnership with the Construction Financial Management Association, the two-and-a-half day Financial Management Academy will teach technical and non-business professionals how to master the critical skills of project management as part of their career development. This Academy has been approved for 13 continuing professional development (CPD) hours by American Institute of Constructors and Constructor Certification Commission.

The two-and-a-half day Academy for ABC Construction Education Professionals focuses on social, demographic, economic and technological changes that either have occurred or will occur within the next 5-10 years in the construction industry and will provide the skills necessary to respond to these challenges and opportunities. 

Held in partnership with CNA, the two-and-a-half day Human Resources Academy will help participants create a stronger alignment between organizational goals and HR goals. This Academy also has been approved for 13 CPD hours.

Attendees also can choose from:

Safety Academy (approved for 14 CPD hours)
Forman Academy
National Electric Code & UL White Book Academy (participants will receive continuing education units for statewide licensing requirements for electricians)
Project Management Academy

In addition, the 21st Workforce Development Conference features the National Craft Championships—a two-day competition that showcases 13 construction crafts—and the Student Chapter Construction Management Competition. ABC member companies also will have the opportunity to interview the students for internships or permanent positions. 

The Career Tech Expo will be held on Thursday, May 2 from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and is open to local Alabama high school seniors, vocational tech students, and veterans seeking employment in the craft-side of the construction industry.

ABC members who are interested in becoming a sponsor and building brand awareness among craft professionals and construction student leaders, or who want to promote their commitment to safety and workforce development, can contact ABC’s sponsorship team.