The AGC Oregon-Columbia Chapter recognizes the critical need to increase and maintain a pipeline of skilled tradespeople and professionals to ensure a well-trained construction workforce for the future. It recently awarded over $192,000 in workforce development grants to nine different organizations. Each year, AGC allocates a portion of its annual budget directly to workforce and professional development efforts.

This year grants were awarded to:

•ACE Academy

•Constructing Hope Pre-apprenticeship Program

•Portland Youth Builders

•Northwest College of Construction

•Oregon Building Congress

•Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc.

•Rogue Community College

•Oregon Institute of Technology (Civil Engineering)

•Oregon State University (Construction Education Management)

These grants ranged from $1,500 to $50,000, and were awarded to help fund programs focused primarily on construction career awareness, construction industry outreach, technical skill development, construction education, student chapter support, industry liaisons, and technology upgrades. 

It is estimated that over 3,000 students in various programs will be directly impacted by these grants. Plus, through career fairs and events, an additional 5,000 individuals will receive some exposure to careers in construction.

"Each year AGC sets aside funds to support workforce development programs. Our members have been very clear that attention to workforce is a priority for them," said Stacy Lewallen, chair of the AGC Workforce and Professional Development Committee. "These grants help support programs that show the construction industry is an exciting and worthwhile career choice with unlimited options."

Each grant was submitted though a formal written process and all grants awarded were closely vetted by either the AGC Workforce Committee or the AGC Construction Management Education Council. For more information on specific grants, visit the website: www.agc-oregon.org.

Since 1922 AGC Oregon-Columbia Chapter has served as the voice of the commercial construction industry. The association provides its members with a forum for exchange of ideas and services designed to enhance the professionalism of the construction industry including workers' compensation and health insurance; legislative and governmental representation; safety and loss control consulting; training; and education and pension programs. The chapter also sponsors AGC University, which provides professional development training to the commercial construction industry.