INDUSTRY UPDATES

Report: Union Firms Better with Workforce Training & Retention

Non-union firms are 21% more likely to report workforce related project delays

The Associated General Contractors of America's (AGC) survey of more than 5,000 of their member firms found that nonunion construction firms are facing significantly greater workforce supply problems than their union counterparts.

The surveys were analyzed by nonpartisan Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI) and the Project for Middle Class Renewal (PMCR) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “While a tight labor market is clearly impacting the entire construction sector, the data shows that these issues are far more acute in the non-union segment of the industry,” said ILEPI Executive Director and report co-author Frank Manzo IV.

Construction Safety Week

Construction Safety Week (May 2-6) highlights the importance of safety on the job site and beyond. On a daily basis, tradespeople are exposed to potentially hazardous conditions, tools and materials. To protect all workers on the job, the union construction industry values safety training above all else. Mandatory training and education factor into why unionized construction workers face 34% fewer health and safety violations than their nonunion counterparts.

Wisconsin Center Expansion Project Signs OSHA Partnership

Gilbane Building Co., C.D. Smith Construction and Milwaukee's Building Trades signed an OSHA agreement that will protect and promote job site safety education and training. 

Local 8 Bricklayers Fall Protection Safety Course

Building Advantage visited the Bricklayers Training facility where they held a fall protection training session for their pre-job class. The Bricklayers union also provides training courses for experienced bricklayers across Wisconsin.

Mental Health Awareness Month

#StopTheStigma by sharing resources & speaking up about mental health issues

With one in five construction workers reporting struggles with mental health issues, it’s important to recognize the warning signs, not only to maintain wellness, but also to avoid a problem becoming a crisis. Download and share our Mental Health Awareness Flier, which can be used as a helpful resource on your job site.

WRTP|BIG STEP had a busy year under the leadership of Lindsay Blumer, the organization's new CEO and President.

Our industry partner set up 168 individuals with a trades apprenticeship and held over 100 community and industry events with a focus on opportunities for women and people of color. 

The $420 million project's scope includes helping the City of Milwaukee's sewer system by reducing the amount of water runoff on city streets. “This is not mandated or required for us to do, but something we thought was critical as part of the entire design of the project was making sure that we improve the impact of the facility,” said Mary Brooks, president and chief executive officer of the Wisconsin Center District.

Gilbane and CD Smith have also shared program information for bid release #5 of the Wisconsin Center Expansion Project which includes interior and exterior improvements. 

WORKFORCE EVENTS

Spring Community Career Fair 

May 21st from 9am - 12pm

Held at Journey House (2110 W Scott St, Milwaukee, WI 53204)

Learn more about each of the building and construction trades on our website: buildingadvantage.org

WRTP Road Building Training Program

Begins June 3rd and runs Mon-Fri from 8am - 12pm for seven weeks

Held at the Racine Gateway Campus (1001 S Main St. Racine, WI 53403)

Our road-building construction class provides a hands-on experience to learners interested in beginning a career in the construction trades. Nationally accredited, your training is recognized across the country and will make you stand out.

WRTP Summer Trades Academy

June 20-24th from 9am - 2pm

Held at WRTP Milwaukee (3841 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53208)

Are you a current high school student in Milwaukee looking to learn more about a career in the skilled trades? Try WRTP | BIG STEP’s Summer Trades Academy this June, where you’ll explore the trades with visits to sites affiliated with the Milwaukee Building Construction Trades!

Do you have an upcoming Career Fair or Hiring Event? 

Send us the event information and we can share the details on our social media, website and newsletter.