Raleigh, N.C.  - Today, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of the Carolinas released a proclamation signed by Governor Roy Cooper designating July 2017 as "Careers in Construction" month!  Last month, ABC of the Carolinas reached out to the Governor's office in accordance with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) "Build Your Future" initiative. ABC of the Carolinas is a NCCER certified training center for apprenticeship and craft training.

"We strongly support the initiative to narrow the skills gap by placing America's youth and displaced workers into opportunities that lead to long-term and rewarding careers in construction", said ABC's director of government affairs, Chris Bullard.  Construction is one of the nation's largest industries, employing well over 5 million people. Unfortunately- one of the biggest issues the industry is faced with today,  is the alarming shortage of skilled labor available to fill most of these jobs. It's estimated that the United States will need to hire roughly 1.5 million craft professionals by the end of 2019.  "Shifting the public's negative perception about careers in construction is vital to the success of our industry. ABC of the Carolinas apprenticeship and training programs provide a unique opportunity for individuals to grow as a leader and as a craft professional", added Chris Bulla rd.

ABC would like to sincerely thank Governor Cooper for recognizing July 2017 as "Careers in Construction" month.  We look forward to working with the Governor, his administration, and other agency officials to better support our state's workforce development and training needs.

To learn more about ABC's apprenticeship and workforce development programs, click here!

To learn more about NCCER's "Build Your Future" initiative, click here!

To read Governor Cooper's "Careers in Construction" proclamation, click here!

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Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national trade association representing over 25,000 members from more than 20,000 construction and industry-related firms. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 72 chapters help members win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work.