Explore current programs and opportunities designed to develop a skilled work force in the construction industry.
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national association representing more than 24,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms in more than 78 chapters across the United States. ABC's membership represents all specialties within the U.S. construction industry and is comprised primarily of firms that perform work in the industrial and commercial sectors of the industry.
Since August 2004, it has been a great undertaking to help Associated Builders and Contractors make the most of its new state-of-the-art Training Academy. During that period, I've seen some remarkable changes -- both in terms of the physical facility, as well as in the caliber and pride of students fortunate to be receiving their construction trades by training with ABC.
In fall 2007, the Construction Industry Institute (CII) released the results of a study that took a look at construction craft training. The study put under the microscope both union and non-union training programs and ultimately found that investing only 1 percent of a project's labor budget in training could have huge returns on productivity and absenteeism, among other things.
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) apprenticeship committees, represented by local trade contractors, recognize that not all contractors are able to train their labor force in a formal apprenticeship environment. Some do not have the necessity for it at all.
North County Trade Tech High School is officially opening its doors in September 2008. Any student entering ninth grade this fall is eligible to apply. The school accepts up to 100 students each year, growing to 400 students maximum across grades 9 to 12 by 2011. Student selection is through a public lottery held well in advance of the fall start date each year.
Training the work force of the future is crucial to the economic prosperity of the region. To meet this need, the instructional program for the Associated Builders and Contractors Apprenticeship and Craft Training Program was developed as a partnership between ABC and the San Diego Community College District. Apprentices and craft trainees receive college credit from San Diego City College and can receive a certificate of achievement or associate's degree in the trade upon completion of the program, and may also receive a journeyman certification from the state of California.
Since its inception in San Diego, ABC has been training young men and women in the HVAC and architectural sheet metal industry. Over the years, this has proven to be a complete success story, providing a win-win situation for the trades people and the contractors in the area.
Over the last several decades, the major push in our country has been for young people to get college degrees and the skilled craftsperson has been set on the back burner.
Have you ever contracted someone to do some professional work on your home, only to discover you didn't hire a professional? Instead, you just hired a good salesman. If you're like me, you end up staring at the work, wondering where this wannabe contractor got his training. This sort of thing only happens once, because the second time around, you've learned to ask better questions and do better background checks.
At Associated Builders and Contractors of San Diego, our Electronic Systems Technician Apprenticeship Program is a great example of how we have reacted to the needs of our local economy and the diverse work force needed for the future.
Lance Zangger has brought home the Silver Medal in Sheet Metal from the ABC National Craft Championship competition in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The dynamics of construction are changing. Training has always been important but, with new techniques, more complicated code and safety requirements and increased complexity, a well-trained work force can be the difference between a profitable project and a failure.
Today's business environment rushes forward in a climate of energy cost uncertainty and the pressure to become "green." Much like a lit firecracker, there is a sudden urgency for companies to reduce their "carbon footprints" and bring to light the need to stress innovations in conservation and efficiency. Often, company and individual ideals don't match, but with these concepts we are seeing a convergence between the two.
Echo Pacific Construction is a medium-sized, local commercial construction company with a focus on public works construction. We were incorporated March 11, 1993 in the state of California. Beginning from scratch we have followed a steady, well-managed plan for growth. Annual revenues range from $16 million to $45 million. We have 40 employees companywide, all located in the Southern California region.
A contractor recently had a vision of the future. His vision focused on the company's work force. He saw a well-trained, highly skilled work force, ready to take on any challenge. He called it a "work force dedicated to excellence." He detailed his vision to others in his company. They all understood and agreed with his vision. There was a lot of enthusiasm and excitement about this vision because it made sense.
Electricians who work for C-10 licensed electrical contractors in California need to follow the state's electrician certification laws to work legally in the state. With a few exceptions, all working electricians need to have a certain level of work experience and pass a computerized test offered in English or Spanish. The exceptions to this regulation are noted below.
The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) honors apprentices all over the state every year in conjunction with the anniversary of the Shelley-Maloney Act that established the basic features of California's apprenticeship program in 1939.
Construction education for journeymen and management-level personnel is expanding at ABC. New training and certification requirements in construction education continue to grow-endlessly it seems. Medical-Gas Pipe Systems certification, for instance, was previously an eight-hour training requirement for a one year certificate; this certificate now requires 32 hours of training and needs renewing every six months in accordance with ASSE 6010.
Despite a cooling in the construction market, residential in particular, today's construction industry is still facing a shortage of skilled workers in craft, technical and management positions.
Explore opportunities in the construction field with this special publication sponsored by the Associated Builders and Contractors of San Diego.
Explore opportunities in the construction field with this special publication sponsored by the Associated Builders and Contractors of San Diego.
This special publication celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Associated Builders and Contractors of San Diego.
Explore opportunities in the construction field with this special publication sponsored by ABC of San Diego.
Explore opportunities in the construction field in this special report sponsored by the Associated Builders and Contractors of San Diego.
Explore current opportunities available in the construction industry in this annual publication.
Explore what opportunities are available in the construction field in this annual special report, sponsored by the Associated Builders and Contractors.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |