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).
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 3, 2025
- Submission deadline is March 7, 2025
- Funding announcements will be made no later than May 30, 2025
- 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, 2025
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
-
Important Forms
- 2024 Application
- Eligibility Guidelines
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, Instagram, and YouTube.
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 collaborating with Build-Oregon? Contact Amber Klingner with any questions.
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?
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
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
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
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