It’s not uncommon for people to envision construction as a building jobsite and the trades, however there are many other roles within a construction company that are just as important; roles you don’t see when you’re driving by a construction site. Hear from three professionals who have found their careers working behind the scenes in construction companies. 

Workforce development is one of the biggest challenges facing residential and commercial construction companies. A new Registered Carpentry Apprenticeship will help address a shortage of carpenters in the state. 

Years spent building a business could be gone in a flash from one unfortunate failure to look carefully at what is necessary. Don’t take shortcuts in a tight labor market. Although many projects are done on a strict schedule, proof of insurance is one area contractors do not want to skimp on. There are simply too many instances when “getting around to it” happens too late (or never happens at all) and then, inevitably, it is too late.

George Boudreau was a senior at Salem High School carpentry program (formerly the building trades program). With graduation not far off, he knew that he wanted to be in the construction industry. His family encouraged him to pursue plumbing, but he needed hands-on experience. With the help of his school's work based learning coordinator and I Build NH, he is now happily working with Legacy Mechanical Services. 

October is Careers in Construction month and a great time to look at career options. With a variety of opportunities for people with all backgrounds and education levels, the construction industry allows for zero barriers to entry, infinite opportunities for growth and competitive salaries.

According to a DOL news release, the increase is a result of the DOL’s 2014 final rule, which implemented Executive Order 13658, Establishing a Minimum Wage for Contractors, and raised the hourly minimum wage paid by contractors to workers on covered federal contracts to $10.10 with annual increases thereafter.

The complex problem of suicide affects the entire country, though some industries such as construction are disproportionally impacted. Our industry can build a bridge to offer hope and encourage help-seeking across the nation. Read this Construction Executive article for more on this topic. 

Jennifer Landon, vice president of education and workforce development at the Associated Builders and Contractors of NH/VT (ABC NH/VT), was sworn in as vice president of the Granite State Chapter of National Women in Construction (NAWIC) for the 2021-2022 term at their 46th Annual Meeting held in September.

Partnering with Associated Builders and Contractors of NH/VT, NHPBS and I Build NH created a series of instructional videos launched this month that will tell the story of the trades through the voice of local tradespeople.

Many women are hesitant to join the construction industry because of a lack of education, training and apprenticeship opportunities. However, this is rapidly changing as an increasing number of industry trade groups and nonprofit organizations develop attainable pathways to entry-level construction jobs.