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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

Workforce Development Grants

The AGC Workforce Development Grant program serves to provide funding for projects that address a demonstrated need in the construction industry. Projects will seek to:

  • Encourage, attract, and retain competent and diverse people to a career in construction.
  • Make effective uses of volunteers and/or matching funds.
  • Create a positive impact on construction workforce issues in Oregon and Southwest Washington (Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Skamania, and Wahkiakum counties).
smiling woman
smiling man with paint roller

Eligibility and Application

Eligible applicants must be qualified tax-exempt organizations, public schools, or institutions located within the AGC Oregon-Columbia Chapter geographic boundaries of Oregon and SW Washington and offering programs of study in construction-related fields such as: construction management, civil and engineering studies, construction technology, construction-related career technical education, construction trades preparation, or other construction-related careers.

Details

  • The application period opens February 12, 2024
  • Submission deadline is March 31, 2024
  • Funding announcements will be made no later than June 30, 2024
  • Please send applications and questions to coldeng@agc-oregon.org (please identify subject line with: AGC GRANTS)
  • Funded projects average $5,000
  • Checks to funded projects are mailed by August 30, 2024

Workforce Development Grants

The AGC Workforce Development Grant program serves to provide funding for projects that address a demonstrated need in the construction industry. Projects will seek to:

  • Encourage, attract, and retain competent and diverse people to a career in construction.
  • Make effective uses of volunteers and/or matching funds.
  • Create a positive impact on construction workforce issues in Oregon and Southwest Washington (Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Skamania, and Wahkiakum counties).

Eligibility and Application

Eligible applicants must be qualified tax-exempt organizations, public schools, or institutions located within the AGC Oregon-Columbia Chapter geographic boundaries of Oregon and SW Washington and offering programs of study in construction-related fields such as: construction management, civil and engineering studies, construction technology, construction-related career technical education, construction trades preparation, or other construction-related careers.

Details

  • The application period opens February 12, 2024
  • Submission deadline is March 31, 2024
  • Funding announcements will be made no later than June 30, 2024
  • Please send applications and questions to coldeng@agc-oregon.org (please identify subject line with: AGC GRANTS)
  • Funded projects average $5,000
  • Checks to funded projects are mailed by August 30, 2024

Educator Externship

AGC partners with Willamette Promise and the Willamette Education Service District to facilitate a summer educator externship program. This program has been instrumental in connecting local construction companies with educators, counselors, and administrators to provide first-hand exposure to the limitless opportunities of careers in construction. Through these experiences, educators are better equipped to relay numerous career pathways in construction to their students through relevant lesson plans, presentations, and industry connections.

  • Infuse real-world relevance by experiencing first-hand the skills, knowledge, and technology needed to enter the workplace
  • Develop partnerships between industry and education
  • Foster connections by sharing curriculum, spaces, and systems that help students transition between academia and careers
  • Increase career-related learning by exposing educators to career opportunities
group of people wearing hardhats
man climbing on construction equipment

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 at amberk@agc-oregon.org with any questions.

Educator Externship

AGC partners with Willamette Promise and the Willamette Education Service District to facilitate a summer educator externship program. This program has been instrumental in connecting local construction companies with educators, counselors, and administrators to provide first-hand exposure to the limitless opportunities of careers in construction. Through these experiences, educators are better equipped to relay numerous career pathways in construction to their students through relevant lesson plans, presentations, and industry connections.

  • Infuse real-world relevance by experiencing first-hand the skills, knowledge, and technology needed to enter the workplace
  • Develop partnerships between industry and education
  • Foster connections by sharing curriculum, spaces, and systems that help students transition between academia and careers
  • Increase career-related learning by exposing educators to career opportunities

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 at amberk@agc-oregon.org with any questions.

How Can You Get Involved?

Construction Workforce Coalition

The Construction Workforce Coalition brings together workforce stakeholders from across Oregon and SW Washington to coordinate and align projects, resources, and new initiatives. Stakeholders include general contractors, subcontractors, industry associates, workforce investment boards, registered apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, community colleges, high schools, school districts, and community-based organizations. The coalition is open to AGC members and non-members meets every other month.

  • Learn about ongoing construction-focused workforce development projects
  • Connect with a variety of workforce stakeholders
  • Understand where to find workforce development resources
man showing young girl to use drill
man in construction equipment

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

Construction Workforce Coalition

The Construction Workforce Coalition brings together workforce stakeholders from across Oregon and SW Washington to coordinate and align projects, resources, and new initiatives. Stakeholders include general contractors, subcontractors, industry associates, workforce investment boards, registered apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, community colleges, high schools, school districts, and community-based organizations. The coalition is open to AGC members and non-members meets every other month.

  • Learn about ongoing construction-focused workforce development projects
  • Connect with a variety of workforce stakeholders
  • Understand where to find workforce development resources

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
smiling woman

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, Corporate Controller, Lease Crutcher Lewis

Questions

Amber Klingner, Workforce and Professional Development Program Manager

Become a Member

Experience the many benefits of membership with AGC…contact us today!