January 2016

Sundt Construction Establishes Center for Craft Excellence Amid Industry Shortage of Skilled Workers

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Sundt Construction, Inc. has responded to the construction industry’s skilled labor shortage by opening its own training center for craft employees in Phoenix, Arizona. The Center for Craft Excellence is intended to give Sundt, a member of multiple AGC chapters, a leg up in the race to find, develop and retain quality craft workers in a competitive marketplace that is struggling to rebuild following the loss of more than 2 million jobs during the Great Recession.

"What’s unique about Sundt is that our training goes far beyond an apprentice program. We provide an opportunity for 100 percent of our craft to engage in training and development," said Sundt Director of Talent Development Ken McKenzie. "Our training and development programs demonstrate our commitment to the industry and show that we care about helping young people develop skills that lead to rewarding careers."

According to a recent survey from Associated General Contractors of America, 86 percent of construction firms nationwide are struggling to find enough craft workers, including carpenters, equipment operators and laborers. Sundt’s Center for Craft Excellence offers training in a number of disciplines, from equipment operator and mechanic to industrial carpentry, pipefitting, ironworking, electrical, welding and millwright. It also features programs to help Sundt’s craft employees attain both National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Certified Plus status and comprehensive standard craft training and development.

"Finding experienced people has been difficult since the economy shrank. There were a lot of people who left the industry and haven’t returned," said Sundt Craft Training Manager Sean Ray. "This facility isn’t just helping us train the next generation of craft workers, it’s allowing us to invest in our people and the skills they use every day on our jobs. It’s a winning situation for everyone: our customers, our craft workers and our company."

In addition to offering the standard craft training program, the center also is qualified to administer the National Craft Assessment and Certification Program (NCACP), which provides a snapshot of an employee’s craft skills at any given time. Successful completion of the two-part assessment results in Sundt’s craft employees earning NCCER Certified Plus status, the highest level of craft training credentialing recognized throughout the industry and in the standardized NCCER training curriculum.

Sundt Construction Inc. (sundt.com) is one of the country’s largest and most respected general contractors. Celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, the firm is known nationally for its innovative approach to construction services.

Associated General Contractors of America
2300 Wilson Blvd, Suite 300
Arlington, VA, USA
Ph: 703-548-3118 Fax: 703-837-5402