WASHINGTON, Oct. 25—The construction industry has a message for career-seekers this October: the demand for construction workers is high, and firms are looking to hire. Despite an investment of more than $1 billion a year by its members to train the next generation of construction workers, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) says the industry currently has 500,000 unfilled jobs, and that number could more than double if Congress and the White House agree on a promised $1 trillion infrastructure bill. ABC member firms are highlighting the worker shortfall and abundant opportunities for aspiring industry professionals during Careers in Construction Month.

“Given the industry’s current market conditions and anticipated growth, now is the time for our country to do more to encourage the next generation of construction and engineering leaders for our industry,” said ABC Vice President of Environment, Health, Safety and Workforce Development Greg Sizemore. “We must put as much emphasis on career technical education as we do formal college degree programs. Both are imperative to meeting the construction demand and ensuring opportunities for all Americans to participate in the industry.”

ABC’s 70 chapters offer more than 800 apprenticeship, craft training and safety training programs around the country, and ABC members train 476,000 construction industry professionals a year. In addition, ABC’s Student Chapters program is a unique and dynamic network of more than 30 colleges and universities offering construction-related degree programs, which offers career fairs, job site tours and internships. ABC also supports education initiatives like buildyourfuture.org and Go Build America that demonstrate the appeal of careers in construction.

ABC is also on the front lines of a new effort to expand apprenticeship programs. This month, the U.S. Department of Labor appointed ABC President and CEO Michael D. Bellaman to a national task force that will submit proposals to President Donald Trump meant to promote successful, industry-recognized apprenticeships in the public and private sectors.
 
Construction workers are in high demand and there has never been a greater opportunity for those seeking a rewarding path in a skilled trade. For more information, visit workforce.abc.org.