Workforce Development
Building the Future of the Industry
Workforce development is one of AGC’s key strategic objectives, and we are working today to meet Oregon’s current and future construction workforce needs. Partner with us in our efforts to enhance the development and recruitment of a highly skilled, diverse construction workforce.
- High School and Post-Secondary Education and Training
- Construction Workforce Development Programming
- Educator Externship
- Construction Careers Digital Marketing
- Workforce Development Grant Program
- Facilitation of statewide Construction Workforce Coalition
Educator Externship
What is the AGC Educator Externship?
AGC partners with education systems across Oregon to coordinate and implement the Construction Educator Externship program. This is an immersive professional development experience for K–12 educators. Attaining a career in construction is a great way for anyone to find fulfilment in their occupation while making a salary that can comfortably support a family. At AGC we don’t believe that construction is a backup option for those that don’t make it in college—we believe that it is a great option for any person and we want to share why we believe this with our state’s hardworking educators.
Construction careers are wide-ranging, and the pathways into these rewarding and lucrative jobs also differ. The Construction Educator Externship gives educators an up-close look at the many routes students can take after high school to enter a career in construction.
How Do We Do This?
Educators spend a week (typically the last full week of June) visiting construction companies, job sites, and training programs to learn first-hand about pathways into the construction trades and what skills youth need to be successful. During the experience, educators are given a behind the scenes look at the industry and have the opportunity to build authentic relationships with industry hosts, many of which are from their community.
How Can I Get Involved?
Whether you are from education and want to bring the program to your region, or you are a member company that wants to host a visit, you can get started by contacting Amber Klingner, Workforce and Professional Development manager at the AGC Oregon-Columbia Chapter. You can call or email, amberk@agc-oregon.org or 503-680-4313.
Build Oregon
Build Oregon is an online brand created by AGC to increase awareness and promote construction careers to students, parents, teachers, school staff, and other influencers.
Visit Build-Oregon to learn more about the construction industry, careers offered, and the training and educational paths to achieve these careers.
You can find Build-Oregon on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Give us a follow and use the #WeBuildOregon when posting about construction.
You can also help spread the word about the benefits of the skilled trades by featuring Build Oregon on your social media channels. We’ve made it easy for you!
Are you a contractor member interested in advertising on Build-Oregon? Click here to view ad package options. Contact Amber Klingner with any questions.
How Can You Get Involved?
Storytelling Initiatives
Our storytelling initiative is built to counter outdated, negative narratives about construction careers, and to address the workforce gap for our members and industry partners. By sharing authentic stories from the field through social media, our Build-Oregon website, the AGC Construction Educator Externship, and other print and digital assets, we highlight the pride, purpose, and opportunities that define today’s construction industry. These stories give students, educators, and families a clear picture of what it means to work in construction. From earning strong, family-supporting wages without college debt, to accessing long-term growth and rewarding work, AGC demonstrates the opportunity construction careers offer.
Contractors are invited to get involved by sharing their own journeys and connecting us with employees to be featured on the Build-Oregon.com website and social media channels. Together we can elevate the industry’s image and inspire the next generation of builders.
To learn more or explore how you or your company can participate, please contact coldeng@agc-oregon.org with any questions.
Workforce & Professional Development Committee
The committee was created in 2009 to develop and carry out the workforce and professional development strategic objectives of the chapter. Committee appointees discuss and review the chapter’s needs to develop various education and training programs, recruitment efforts, and public relations and marketing messages that target the construction workforce.
- Committee meets each month
- Drives Construction Workforce Coalition agendas
- Participates in workforce development grant selections
- Committee is led by a chair and vice chair
The construction industry faces a lack of skilled workers and AGC is meeting this challenge head on. The organization is actively developing programs and facilitating relationships that promote skilled trade careers and train the next generation of workers. As an active participant in the Workforce & Professional Development Committee, and Chair of the Coalition, I’m happy to give my time to help solve this critical issue.
— Stacy Lewallen, Fortis Construction
Questions
Amber Klingner, Workforce and Professional Development Program Manager
Become a Member
Experience the many benefits of membership with AGC…contact us today!