AGC is dedicated to promoting careers in construction and addressing the industry's labor shortage. We work closely with partners in government, industry, and other associations to promote and support a wide range of effective and innovative programs. Our members' involvement is critical in our efforts.

U.S. Department of Labor Updates Apprenticeship Regulations

On October 29, 2008, The U.S. Department of Labor issued its final rule revising the federal regulations that implement the National Apprenticeship Act. The first overhaul of the regulations in 30 years substantially changes both how an apprentice can become a journeyworker and how the system is managed.

A short fact sheet, full text of the new rule, press release, and other information on the final rule are available at http://www.doleta.gov/oa/regulations.cfm.

U.S. DOL Offers Grants for Apprenticeship Programs

The U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (ETA), has announced the availability of approximately $6.5 million for grants to fund the development of programs that align with the new apprenticeship standards issued in October 2008. The ETA expects to award between 10 and 20 grants to industry and employer associations, labor-management organizations, and other apprenticeship stakeholders. Applications may be submitted by U.S. mail, by hand or online until 5 p.m. EDT, March 16, 2009. Complete details, including a link to an online application may be found on the DOLETA Website.

National Center for Construction Education and Research

Since 1996, AGC has partnered with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) to help address the critical workforce shortage facing the construction industry. NCCER is a not-for-profit education foundation created to develop industry-driven standardized craft training programs with portable credentials.

Show off your pride in being a construction craftworker

NCCER is searching for proud craft professionals who exemplify craftsmanship to be featured in its Cornerstone of Craftsmanship campaign, which is designed to help revive the meaning and importance of craftsmanship and reinstill pride, professionalism, and respect to the construction industry. This campaign spotlights organizations and craft professionals for their commitment to craftsmanship and the industry, while also educating the general public about the construction industry.

• Components of this campaign consist of print advertisements, profiles of craft professionals, and promotional items.
• Interested individuals should fill out the profile form and submit a recent photo.
• To learn more about the campaign, see the ads produced to date and read the profiles, please visit the NCCER website.

U.S. Department of Labor Career Voyages

The U.S. Department of Labor Career Voyages site is a comprehensive overview of jobs, training and apprenticeship programs, two- and four-year colleges and universities that offer entry into high-growth, high-paying construction industry jobs. The website includes a searchable database of training and educational programs.

Education Excellence Awards

AGC's Craft Awards have been folded into a new, larger awards program: The AGC Education Excellence Awards. The EEA includes a craft training award for chapters and another for AGC members. Additionally, there is an Instructor of the Year award, open to all member and chapter training providers. Please see our Education Excellence Awards page for more information.

Laborers-AGC Education and Training Fund

Laborers-AGC Education and Training Fund is a labor-management trust fund established by AGC and the Laborers' International Union of North America in 1969. Laborers-AGC develops standardized education and training programs, products, and services to enhance the training capabilities of the 70 affiliated training funds and facilities throughout the United States and Canada that train thousands of laborers each year.

2008 AGC National Convention

The "It's Not a Cost, It's an Investment" session held at the AGC of America 89th Annual Convention, presented a panel of owners, contractors and researchers who have effectively made a case for investing in skilled craft training programs. The complete Powerpoint presentation is available on the 2008 Convention Presentations archive.