CONSTRUCTING A QUALITY WORKFORCE

This year, nearly one million new workers will enter the workforce directly from high school--one-fifth without diplomas. Also of concern is that half of all 18-year-olds fail to acquire basic language, math, and analytical skills. These are the candidates to fill entry level jobs. For the construction industry, expected to need nearly 6% of the new workforce entrants, these statistics pose a serious challenge. This is especially true since the skill demands for construction workers is increasing. Overcoming the shortages of qualified workers--new and experienced--could well be the toughest challenge yet faced by the industry. Training is seen as the key to resolving the construction industry's challenge to attract workers, meet increased skill requirements, and ensure a supply of qualified talent. Construction, with a long history in apprenticeship programs, lends itself well to work-based training. The theoretical, classroom instruction combined with practical, structured, on-the-job learning allows for skills building in a practiced, logical sequence. The role of the government in helping to build a quality workforce is seem as one of leadership. Government can form partnerships with industry groups, act as facilitator between employers and training professionals, and provide technical assistance for human resources development activities. But government should not and cannot act alone. Together with the Department of Labor, industry can help develop training program criteria for accreditation and certification of skill levels, explore employer incentives for training, and expand work-based learning to non-traditional industries.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/2642359
• Corporate Authors:

  Associated General Contractors of America

  2300 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 400
  Arlington, VA  United States  22201
• Authors:
  • Van Erden, J
• Publication Date: 1990-2

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 36-37
• Serial:
  • Constructor
  • Volume: 72
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: Associated General Contractors of America
  • ISSN: 0162-6191

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Construction industry; Development; Education and training; Federal government; Human resources management; Leadership; Technical assistance; Training; Training programs; Workforce
• Uncontrolled Terms: Human resources
• Old TRIS Terms: Apprenticeship programs
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Construction; Education and Training; Highways; I10: Economics and Administration;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00491287
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 28 1990 12:00AM