Features

With lives literally on the line, the Oroville Emergency Spillway project was short on time and long on importance for residents along Northern California’s Feather River. In record time, Kiewit Corporation managed not only to get the job done in an expeditious and environmentally sound way, they may have learned the secret to efficient project acceleration, no short cuts necessary.

As the nation reels from the deadly novel coronavirus pandemic, with construction projects threatened, leadership at AGC of America continuously advocates for members.

While the Vegas of today is not the same vibrant city it was in March due to COVID-19, AGC of America still brought its A game to the more than 1,800 attendees at its 2020 Annual Convention by delivering a dynamic program filled with education sessions, motivating keynote speakers and networking sessions (elbow taps and fist bumps replaced handshakes) — all to celebrate its members, their accomplishments and the construction industry.

The construction industry faces a severe shortage of craft workers as well as other team members, and at the same time, leaders recognize that many women, who make up about half of the total workforce, are staying clear of construction opportunities. One concern is improperly fitting safety equipment.

Digital tools have revolutionized the way AGC members plan, deliver and manage construction projects. However, implementing the right tools across the construction lifecycle and driving company-wide adoption remains a challenge for many firms.

Common topic in construction workforce development circles is the need for a communication plan that does two things: 1) promote construction careers in a manner that makes them more desirable to a younger population and 2) overcome misconceptions influencers have regarding skilled trade careers.

National Apprenticeship Week — held last November — is a big deal for the construction industry. This nationwide celebration gives businesses, communities and educators the opportunity to showcase their apprenticeship programs and apprentices while providing valuable information to career seekers.

Construction firms expect continued high demand for projects, yet they remain concerned about their ability to find and keep qualified workers, according to a new survey, Strong Demand for Work Amid Stronger Demand for Workers: The 2020 Construction Hiring and Business Outlook Report.

AGC of America has assembled general guidance and links to information from our federal agency partners and health organizations. AGC will continue to monitor the situation and update the information on this page accordingly.

One of the most significant, yet least talked about, threats to the safety and health of the construction workforce is the growing abuse of opioids among workers.