Leading Workforce Development Ideas

Leading Workforce Development Ideas

Recently, I participated in a Houston-based launch of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America’s Workforce Development Plan 2.0. The construction industry is suffering from a significant skilled labor shortage that is resulting in increased costs and schedule delays. AGC, the leading association for the construction industry, representing more than 26,000 firms, conducted a study in Texas that found that nearly 80% of contractors in the state are having trouble finding the skilled labor needed to cover demand. As the chair of the Greater Houston Partnership’s UpSkill executive committee and my role as senior vice president for Gilbane’s Southwest division, I am excited to share a few key ideas and encourage you to take action and invest in our future workforce in the construction trades.

Recruit and Encourage Young Adults to Pursue Construction Careers

Look around your firm for emerging leaders who can speak at local technical schools. Introduce students, teachers and guidance counselors to different trades and the career paths they can begin to benefit from during school and/or right after graduation. Limited on time? Sponsor students to join trade groups or hold a career open house for area parents and students to learn more about careers in your field of expertise. There are many chapters of ACE Mentor Program that you can get involved in as well!

Influence How Feds Support Workforce Development

Career Technical Education (CTE) and the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) are two areas to promote funding to attract qualified instructors and provide modern equipment for training. In addition, the current Pell Grant structure limits funding to 4-year degree programs. Adjusting the rules to allow grant eligibility for short-term credential programs would boost recruitment in the construction trades.

Hire Veterans

There are several programs out there that will connect you to those that served our country. The AGC has summarized three national programs for easy reference. How can our heroes become part of our industry? Click here to start recruiting today! Visit the skills translator that Gilbane has posted to assess transferable military experience in our careers section of our website.

Take Action and Invest in the Future

What can you do to invest in our future workforce? Check out the full Workforce Development Plan published by the AGC of America and the following link to the Workforce Development Resource Center where you can research or submit your program ideas or read the full document here. Let’s work together to get results!

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About Authors

Dan Gilbane

Dan Gilbane is a senior vice president and leads Gilbane’s companywide strategic initiatives as part of the firm’s global growth strategy and vision. In this role, Dan provides single-point executive responsibility for several growing entities including GRS, a disaster reconstruction services firm comprised of three companies; G.O. Construction Services, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary that provides jobsite safety, general labor, carpentry and final cleaning services; Gilbane’s National Clients team; and the firm’s Centers of Excellence focused on adding value for clients throughout the project lifecycle in multiple markets. In addition to these client-driven focus areas, Dan has direct involvement with Gilbane’s acquisition strategy. An active member of the Houston community, Dan serves on the boards of the YES Prep Public Schools, the Greater Houston Partnership, Houston Methodist’s President’s Leadership Council and the Associated General Contractors. He is active in the real estate community and is a member of the Urban Land Institute. He is serving as the 2019 Campaign Chair for the United Way of Greater Houston and is the executive sponsor for Gilbane’s Hispanic employee resource group, HOL@.

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