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. 

The New Hampshire/Vermont Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) represents hundreds of merit shop construction contractors and industry-affiliated firms that are committed to workforce development, safety training, and promoting fair and open competition. On behalf of the ABC, I write regarding the proposed amendments to Burlington’s “Prequalification of Construction Contractors-Responsible Contractors” ordinance.

Associated Builders and Contractors New Hampshire/Vermont (ABC NH/VT) is pleased to announce that it has hired Bryan Kent as regional director for the state of Vermont.

The construction industry is ripe for AI applications and automation of complex processes. With more and more engineering and construction companies incorporating drone programs, the data needed for 100% coverage of the construction site in all three dimensions is already there. The only question is: Will project owners and general contractors continue to use inadequate site analytics products, or will they embrace new technologies that aid in streamlining processes, minimizing mistakes, ensuring compliance and saving money? 

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.

ABC celebrated the EiC award recipients and announced Methuen Construction as the 2021 recipient of the prestigious Chairman Award for their outstanding work on the Peirce Island Wastewater Treatment Facility upgrade in Portsmouth, NH.

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.

Associated Builders and Contractors of New Hampshire and Vermont (ABC NH/VT) is pleased to announce this year’s Excellence in Construction (EiC) Award winners. The EIC awards program is the construction industry’s leading competition that honors general and specialty contractors for world-class, safe and innovative construction projects.

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.