GetConstructive.com
In 2008 the Oregon-Columbia Chapter developed an electronic outreach and public relations workforce image campaign designed to create positive messaging about construction careers, combat the negative myths of construction, provide useful career information packaged in a style to which young people can relate, create positive messaging for the adult influencers of young people, and to include a job and resume posting site for connecting AGC contractors with qualified potential employees.
At the center of the campaign is a website that sports a fresh, young attitude, a demolition game, and practical information about getting started in a construction career, all presented in a style designed to make young people feel good about choosing a future in construction – www.GetConstructive.com.
The Oregon-Columbia Chapter launched its website in October of 2008, following extensive research and outreach to gather input and support from a number of construction industry groups engaged in workforce development (including other industry associations, community colleges, unions, and the Northwest College of Construction).
In 2009, in response to a crumbling economy, the chapter redirected plans to organize focus groups composed of teachers, coaches, parents, and other “influencers” of youth and instead put emphasis on demonstrating to industry supporters how to use the GetConstructive campaign, bringing attention to the website through media and AGC publications, developing a career fair display, identifying career fairs that would meet specific strategic objectives, and determining how to proceed with the campaign as the economy continued to tumble.
As the economy improves, the chapter plans to once again focus efforts on the campaign. As companies get back to work and need to increase the size of their crews, the industry will need a strong workforce to draw from. GetConstructive.com will be a great conduit to recruiting young people to an industry that provides competitive wages, great experiences, and nearly endless career opportunities.
Check out www.GetConstructive.com!
