July
TENNESSEE
Aug
Aug
2025 Executive Committee
Steven Bishop (Chair) Brasfield & Gorrie
Jamie Holmes (Vice Chair) T.W. Frierson Contractor
Casin Swann (Secretary) Pavement Restorations, Inc.
Thomas Ford (Member) Massey Electric Company
Bryan Hay (Immediate Past Chair) SKANSKA
Justin Marcus (Past Chair) JOSEPH Construction
2025 Board of Directors
Tyler Baldridge BELL Construction
Andy Farmer Rodefer Moss
Steve Garner Blount Excavating
Thomas Hall Sherrard, Roe, Voigt, Harbison
Kirk Johnson Stowers Cat Machinery
Griff Irby Carter Group
Brent Neal F.E. Neal & Co.
Richard Smith Smith & Cashion
Michael Walker, Jr. Walker Electric
Ray Wallace Gaylor Electric
John Warner ABEC Electric
Roger White Rackley Roofing
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
STEVEN BISHOP
Dear
Members, Partners, and Industry Advocates,
As Chairman of ABC Greater Tennessee, I’m proud to report that the last quarter has been one of the most impactful and forward-moving periods in our chapter’s history. While economic pressures and workforce challenges continue to test the resilience of our industry, ABC Greater Tennessee has remained unwavering in its mission to advocate for free enterprise, equip our workforce, and deliver unmatched value to our members.
In just the past few months, our team has achieved some remarkable milestones that underscore the strength, reach, and relevance of ABC membership. At the heart of our progress is a powerful belief: when our contractors succeed, Tennessee’s economy thrives.
This spring, we celebrated the graduation of 75 new skilled tradesmen from our Construction Trades Academy. Our Annual BuildFree Graduation Gala was the largest to date, with over 360 guests, including Governor Bill Lee, who spoke passionately about the critical role our industry plays in Tennessee’s growth. His remarks were more than ceremonial; they were a call to arms for continued investment in workforce development.
We also announced the launch of a new Masonry program in Middle Tennessee, meeting direct demand from contractors and addressing the ongoing labor shortage with action, not rhetoric. And in Knoxville, we’ve restructured our tuition model to make our trades education more accessible and competitive, particularly for individuals without employer sponsorship. These changes ensure that no one willing to work is priced out of a career in the trades.
We’ve also worked diligently to support our members through a range of networking and educational events from our Safety Task Force training initiatives to the kickoff of two new NexGen Leadership cohorts. And we’re gearing up for our first-ever Economic & Workforce Development Summit on July 21st, featuring top economist Anirban Basu and key state officials. This will be a marquee event that puts ABC at the center of workforce conversation in Tennessee.
ABC Greater Tennessee is proud to be ranked among the top ABC chapters in the entire country in both membership growth and retention. This isn’t just a point of pride, it’s proof that our members see real value and real results. Membership is not just about being part of a trade group, it’s about belonging to a movement that defends merit shop principles, drives real policy change, and prepares the next generation of builders.
Our industry is facing increasing regulatory burdens, workforce shortages, and cultural headwinds. Now more than ever, we need a united front. ABC Greater Tennessee is that front, defending your business interests at the Capitol, in the classroom, and on the jobsite.
When you invest in ABC, you’re investing in:
• Advocacy that protects your right to compete
• Training that strengthens your workforce
• Events that grow your network and brand
• A culture of safety and innovation
If you’re already a member, thank you. If you’re not, there’s never been a better time to join. Together, we are not just building buildings, we’re building people, communities, and the future of Tennessee.
For the Merit Shop, Steven Bishop
84 LUMBER
Shannon Hamilton (724) 228-8820 shannon.hamilton@84lumber.com
APEX STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
Charlotte Hearin charlotte@apexstructural.com
ATTENDANTS INC.
Obi Ukwu (615) 457-0114 Obi@attendantsinc.com
BUILDOPS
Scott Larson (925) 683-9185 scott@buildops.com
CENTURY CONSTRUCTION GROUP, INC.
Eric McKinney (615) 405-0946 emckinney@centurycg.com
CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM COLUMBIA
Christopher Wojnar (931) 380-0800 christopher.wojnar@outlook.com
COOKS BUILDING SUPPLY
Sam Cook (256) 301-9161 scook@cooksbuildingsupply.com
EAGLE CONCRETE
Paul Heck Matson (844) 324-5322 dsholty@eagleconcretellc.com
EAGLE FIRE
Matt Mitchell (757) 871-5465 matt.mitchell@eaglefire.com
GLASS SYSTEMS INC.
Steven Massengill (770) 482-5232 brock@gsi.glass
GROUP STEEL ERECTORS
Spencer Copeland (601) 573-0126 spencer@groupsteel.net
HAMMERTECH
Jacob Nelson 205-852-2788 sales@hammertech.com
HC CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION GROUP
Nicholas Olp (615) 647- 7513 nolp@hcconcreteconstructiongroup.com
HEMMA CONCRETE
Brian Greene bgreene@hemmaconcrete.com
INLINE ELECTRIC NASHVILLE
Joey Elkins (615) 557-8877 tory.jackson@inlinelectric.com
INSIGHT INSURANCE SERVICES
Dave Toeben (615) 636-1105 dave@look2insight.com
JAW LIGHTING
Jason Tatge jason@jawlighting.com
LBMC TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS
Nicole Brinson (615) 377-4600 info@lbmctech.com
MAREK BROTHERS SYSTEMS LLC
Carlos Pangui carlospangui@marekbros.com
NATIONWIDE SPRAY FOAM
Morgan Morton-Killeffer (888) 729-3626 morgan@nationwidesprayfoam.com
NUCOR REBAR FABRICATION
Jamie Standford (252) 301-7983 Jamie.stanford@nucor.com
O'DWYER BROTHERS LLC
John ODwyer (615) 594-8281 odwyerbrothersllc@gmail.com
OPTILINE ENTERPRISES LLC
Amanda Bisson (603) 402-1446 info@optiline.com
REDBOX+ DUMPSTERS OF NORTH NASHVILLE
Bob Vriend Rvriend@redboxplus.com
SATELLITE SHELTERS
Jack Kolar (615) 338-5875 jackk@satelliteco.com
STRUCTIS CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS GROUP
Robert Flores (615) 280-2100 rflores@structis.com
TALENT CORPS
Cher Lon Malik (972) 468-9111 cmalik@talentcorps.com
WATER QUAILTY & EROSION CONTROL OF TN
Jean Matthews (615) 210-2336 jmatthews@wqectn.com
WILLOW BRANCH LANDSCAPES
Russel Marino Jr. 6157908931 managers@wblscapes.com
WORK HORSE TEMPS
Kelvin Young (407) 926-0340 kyoung@workhorsetemps.com
New Members shown through 5/31/2025
ABC STAFF SPOTLIGHT
GEORGE LOKKEN Sr. Manager of Workforce Development, East Tennessee
Q: What is your favorite ABC event?
Q: How long have you been with ABC?
It will be three years in September.
Q: What is your favorite tv show/movie?
Mad Men and Shawshank Redemption
Q: What is your favorite part of working at ABC?
My favorite part of working at ABC is working alongside of the local high schools to help students explore the careers that the construction industry has to offer.
Q: What hobbies do you have? Kayaking, Fishing, Hiking with my Family, Gardening
Q: What is your quote/poem? “The man who never made a mistake never built anything”
Q: What do you enjoy most in your free time?
ABC’s Annual National Convention Spending time with my wife and two young boys.
Q: Who is your favorite singer/songwriter/ band?
My Spotify playlists consist of mostly Bluegrass/Folk/Jam band artists.
Q: What is your favorite sports team?
Vols by default of living in Knoxville.
NONUNION CONSTRUCTION WORKFORCE TOPS 95% IN TENNESSEE
By: ABC Greater Tennessee Staff
The vast majority of construction workers in Tennessee choose to work free from union representation, with new data revealing that more than 95% of the state’s private construction workforce is nonunion. This aligns with a broader national trend, where open-shop construction remains the preferred choice for industry professionals.
According to an Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) analysis of 2024 state union membership data published by unionstats.com, at least 80% of private construction industry workers were nonunion in 41 states. Additionally, at least 90% of workers in the private construction industry did not belong to a union in 29 states, marking an increase from 26 states in 2022 and 24 states in 2021.
Nationwide, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 7,978,000 construction industry workers were not members of a union in 2024, reflecting an increase of 12,000 from 2023. Meanwhile, overall union membership in the construction industry declined by 38,000 workers to 916,000.
“The construction industry is a powerful engine of economic growth, and the vast majority of its workforce—more than 87% of U.S. construction workers—choose not to belong to a union,” said Ben Brubeck, former ABC vice president of regulatory, labor, and state affairs. “This overwhelming majority affirms that construction professionals value the freedom, flexibility, and economic opportunities provided by merit shop contractors.”
“ABC remains committed to developing a highly skilled workforce through apprenticeships, craft training, and safety programs,” Brubeck continued. “ABC and its members invested $1.6 billion in construction industry workforce development in 2022, providing nearly 1.3 million course attendees with craft, leadership, and safety education to advance their careers in the industry.”
ABC offers manty apprenticeship, craft, and safety training programs through its 67 ABC chapters, joint ventures, and affiliated organizations nationwide. These programs ensure that industry professionals receive hands-on training and career advancement opportunities, supporting the continued growth of the open-shop workforce.
To learn more about ABC’s workforce development initiatives and advocacy for merit shop construction, visit abctn.org.
BUILDING FUTURES: 75 New Journeymen Graduate from ABC Construction Trades Academy
Vocational Training Changing and Expanding for East and Middle Tennessee
By: ABC Greater Tennessee Staff
A Milestone Moment in the Merit Shop Movement
On May 8, 2025, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Greater Tennessee Chapter hosted its second annual BuildFree Nashville Graduation Gala at the Music City Center. The event marked a defining moment in the state’s workforce development efforts as 75 new tradesmen graduated from our Construction Trades Academy. With more than 350 attendees, the gala celebrated not only the achievements of these graduates but also Tennessee’s momentum in providing industry-driven, tuition-based, hands-on trade education aligned with real workforce needs.
The Vocational Training Engine Driving Tennessee’s Economy
Tennessee’s construction industry continues to be a powerhouse of growth and opportunity. With one of the lowest unionization rates in the nation and a business-friendly climate, the need for skilled trades professionals has reached historic levels. In response, ABC Greater Tennessee has doubled down on its commitment to hands-on, merit-based vocational training that prepares students for in-demand careers in plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and now masonry.
Across our Knoxville and Nashville campuses, the ABC Construction Trades Academies deliver curriculum developed in collaboration with employers, emphasizing not only technical skill but also professional readiness, safety, and long-term career advancement.
New in 2025: Masonry Program Launches in Middle Tennessee
As demand continues to grow for skilled masons in both commercial and residential markets, ABC Greater Tennessee is proud to announce the launch of a Masonry program at our Middle Tennessee training center in Fall 2025. This program, developed with input from local contractors, will teach foundational masonry skills, all culminating in National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certifications.
The new offering complements our existing trades and ensures we are filling gaps in Tennessee’s construction workforce pipeline with highly trained professionals who can hit the ground running.
BuildFree Nashville Gala cont.
Gala Highlights: Celebration, Connection, and a Commitment to the Future
The Graduation Gala wasn't just a ceremony, it was a testament to what’s possible when industry, education, and determination align. Graduates walked across the stage to celebrate the culmination of months of hard work. Most are already employed by ABC member companies, proving the effectiveness of the learn-and-earn model.
The event also served as a critical fundraiser, helping expand training resources, update curriculum, and improve facilities.
With proceeds, ABC plans to enhance electrical and HVAC training labs, and invest in new equipment for plumbing and carpentry tracks—ensuring students continue to receive education aligned with modern jobsite technology and best practices.
Honoring Leadership: Braden Blythe Receives the Rick Jones Leadership Award
One of the most emotional and inspiring moments of the evening was the presentation of the Rick Jones Leadership Award, given each year to a student who demonstrates exceptional commitment, work ethic, and leadership within their trade.
This year’s recipient, Braden Blythe of ABC member Mechanical Resource Group, was honored for his outstanding dedication to his craft, his peers, and the principles of the merit shop. Braden’s instructors praised his quiet strength, team-first mindset, and relentless drive to improve not just himself, but the people around him.
What made the moment even more meaningful was that the award was presented by Kaitlyn Jones, the daughter of the late Rick Jones, for whom the award is named. Rick’s legacy as a mentor and industry leader lives on through students like Braden, and through the many lives touched by this program.
In a powerful and heartfelt address, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee delivered the keynote remarks to this year’s graduating class. A staunch advocate of career and technical education, Governor Lee emphasized the critical role that skilled tradesmen play in the future of the state.
“There is dignity in work, especially in the kind of work that builds homes, schools, hospitals, and highways,” Lee told the graduates. “You are entering a profession that not only sustains families but builds the foundation of Tennessee’s economy.”
Governor Lee praised the graduates’ decision to enter the trades, reminding them that their careers were not a fallback but a bold and proud choice that reflects courage, capability, and character. He also acknowledged the importance of programs like ABC’s Construction Trades Academy in addressing Tennessee’s workforce needs.
Governor Bill Lee: "Your Work Builds the Foundation of Tennessee"
Expanded Access: PHCC Members Now Receive Member Tuition Rates
To further support the skilled trades ecosystem and ensure strong cross-industry collaboration, ABC Greater Tennessee is now offering member-rate tuition to all PHCC (Plumbing-HeatingCooling Contractors Association) of Tennessee members in our Nashville location.
This strategic partnership recognizes the aligned missions of both organizations to grow a quality trades workforce and support the development of young talent in plumbing and HVAC. PHCC members can now enroll their apprentices in ABC’s Construction Trades Academy programs at the $2,250 per student annual rate, identical to ABC member pricing.
“We believe this partnership helps all of Tennessee,” said ABC Greater Tennessee President Clayton Crownover. “PHCC members are vital to the state’s infrastructure and economy, and we’re proud to open our training pipeline to support their growth with the same level of affordability and excellence.”
This cross-member discount is part of a broader effort to break down silos between trade associations and create a more unified, well-trained construction workforce across the state.
Knoxville: A New Tuition Model Designed for Flexibility and Growth
Beginning in Fall 2025, the Knoxville Construction Trades Academy will launch a restructured tuition model that offers greater flexibility and fairness across the board:
Tuition Breakdown: Knoxville Construction Trades Academy
ABC Greater Tennessee has incorporated a new tiered model for tuition that helps make trade education accessible for companies large and small while keeping quality high and outcomes strong.
Looking Ahead: 75 Years Strong and Still Building
As ABC celebrates its 75th National anniversary in 2025, the success of the BuildFree Graduation Gala and the expansion of programs in masonry and Knoxville tuition restructuring reflect the organization's unwavering commitment to its mission: to advance the merit shop philosophy and grow a highly skilled construction workforce.
Tennessee is thriving, but its future depends on bold investments in people. ABC Greater Tennessee is proud to be a national leader in that mission—and we’re just getting started.
SAFETY FEATURE MEASURE.
Evolving Strategies for a Safer Tennessee
Construction Industry
By: Tony Foster, Director of EHS for Skanska USA Building
As the construction industry continues to evolve, so do the safety challenges and solutions that shape our daily operations. From integrating new technologies to prioritizing mental health, we are constantly finding new ways to keep our
workers safe and secure. Drawing from my experience at Skanska, I’ve seen firsthand how proactive leadership, innovative tools, and a strong safety culture can make a significant difference. As we continue to become more innovative in our industry, I’ve been impressed at the latest safety trends I’ve witnessed that are working to address challenges head-on to create safer worksites for everyone involved.
By implementing safety protocols early and encouraging trade partners to do the same, we’ve seen reduced incidents. Workers need to understand not just what to do, but why they need to do it, ensuring safety becomes second nature. Safety starts with education, planning, and making sure everyone has the necessary training and equipment.
Communication
One of the biggest issues in construction safety I’ve seen is communication. With new workers joining our projects daily, ensuring they receive clear and effective safety messaging is critical. Repetition is key, but it must be engaging—nobody benefits from hearing the same message over and over because it loses its impact. It’s important to encourage open communication and learning from near misses. By treating safety as a core value rather than a checklist, we create a workplace where employees are actively engaged in maintaining a safe environment.
Emphasis on Safety Culture
Onboarding new trade partners is another major focus. By setting the tone early and reinforcing key safety principles, we empower every worker to speak up about hazards and concerns. When workers feel comfortable asking questions and stopping work if needed, we create a safer environment for everyone.
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SAFETY FEATURE cont.
A strong safety culture means that every worker, from apprentices to superintendents, understands their role in maintaining site safety. As leaders, we need to model the behaviors we expect, reinforce best practices, and make safety a shared responsibility. We’ve made significant strides in fostering a safety-first mindset, but there’s always room for improvement.
Prioritizing High-Risk Areas
At Skanska, we understand that every decision impacts others and our community. One of our core values, Care for Life, guides our actions. We have developed a framework to help reinforce this value called Care for Life 5 (CFL5), a holistic approach designed to influence focused behavior around existing safety standards. Care for Life 5 concentrates on five areas where a staggering 93% of all serious incidents on construction sites occur:
• Human-machine interface
• Energized systems
• Line of fire
• Falls
• Lifting operations
By prioritizing these high-risk areas and reinforcing safety protocols daily, we ensure that workers understand the hazards they face and how to mitigate them effectively.
The Role of Technology in Safety
Advancements in technology are rapidly transforming our approach to safety. By using drones for inspections in hard-to-reach or hazardous areas, augmented reality (AR) for real-time monitoring, and wearable devices to minimize injuries, we are increasingly leveraging technology on job sites. For daily safety planning, we utilize advanced software that breaks down tasks and identifies potential hazards before work begins. By integrating safety planning into every step of the process, we proactively manage risks and ensure a safer working environment.
The use of data analysis has become increasingly valuable in our safety programs. By tracking trends and near misses, we continuously refine our strategies to address emerging risks before they lead to incidents.
Mental Health and Safety
Recognizing the importance of mental health in the construction industry has become much more widespread in recent years. One of the initiatives I’m most proud of is Skanska’s Green Sticker Program, which provides Mental Health First Aid training and certifications for our teams. All employees who undergo the training receive a green sticker to wear on their hard hat, signaling to others that they are certified and available to talk or help if needed. This program helps employees recognize signs of mental health challenges and substance use concerns, equipping them with the skills to offer support. By reducing stigma and prioritizing well-being, we make our worksites safer physically, mentally, and emotionally.
A powerful success story from Nashville underscores the program’s impact—one of our craftworkers sought help after learning about the initiative and received life-changing support. This is why we do what we do—because safety extends beyond physical hazards; it’s about ensuring the well-being of our people in every sense.
Final Thoughts
In the constantly changing world of construction, our commitment to safety never wavers. We know that real safety goes beyond just preventing accidents, it's about creating a space where everyone feels valued and protected in every way: physically, mentally, and emotionally. The construction industry presents new challenges daily, but through proactive leadership, clear communication, and innovative solutions, we continue to evolve our safety culture. Together, we can build a safer industry.
MENTAL HEALTH FEATURE
By: KIT OZBURN, PRESIDENT
T.W. Frierson Contractors, Inc.
We have all worked with a “Jerry”. While this story is not a reflection of a singular person, it is sadly a reflection of someone we all know, someone we have worked with, or someone we greatly care for. We are sadly working side by side with someone struggling with their mental health right now. We are all familiar with someone who was a hard worker and always showed up to work. And then one day they didn’t. This is Jerry’s and countless other’s story.
battles no one talks about.
At T.W. Frierson Contractor, we are distinguished by a remarkable passion for people. We realize to truly protect people, we cannot focus only on physical safety, we must care for the whole person. T.W. Frierson is pushing back against this health crisis, assuming a leadership role in this crusade, and investing in a multi-prong approach by establishing a support architecture within the organization.
We take great pride in the relentless pursuit of our Core Purpose Creating a Foundation for People to Thrive. Jerry’s experience encouraged us to look even more closely at what it means for people to thrive. We have recommitted strategies “upstream” to prevent team members from reaching a breaking point and “falling in the river.” Who on your team might be struggling
Available to all employees regardless of role or hourly status, support offerings include:
•Free confidential mental health counseling
•Sabbatical program designed to reduce burnout and promote balance
•On-site chaplain services for emotional and spiritual connection
•Purposeful communication strategies removing the veil and speaking openly about mental health
We cannot stop there. Imagine a jobsite where an aching shoulder is not a dread-filled precursor signaling the early end of a career, but recognized as a signal, an opportunity to step in with care and support. Imagine a team where mental health worries are not stuffed away in a toxic toolbox to detonate another day, but rather are met with professional resources ready to shoulder the load together. These steps are worth celebrating, but at T.W. Frierson, we know there’s always more we can do.
“There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they are falling in.”
Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus
wakeup call- it could be a turning point and call to action for your team.
Thankfully this time, Jerry’s story did not end in tragedy. Thanks to the support of his teammates and available resources, he experienced a beautiful redemption in his personal life with his well-being graciously restored. But not every story ends this way, and that’s the hard truth our industry must confront.
I wish we had started on this journey sooner, long before Jerry didn’t show up for work. Every company has the power to transform their workplace culture from one of silence to one of support. By taking these steps, we not only protect our workforce - we strengthen our entire industry. Let's build a future where mental health conversations are as natural as discussing physical safety protocols. Your actions today could save lives tomorrow. I hope you will join us on this vital journey of transformation into a more compassionate industry.
Over a Century of Service: Stands Tall After 105 Years in Building Supply A.G. Heins Company
By: Abc greater tennessee staff
In an industry defined by change, one name in East Tennessee has remained a constant for over a century: A.G. Heins Company. Established in 1920 and rooted in Knoxville’s building supply scene, the company is a living example of resilience, adaptation, and commitment to quality service.
Founded by Adolph Gustav Heins, a German immigrant and civil engineer, the business began as a modest roofing supply distributor. Over the years, it evolved into a comprehensive building materials supplier, trusted by generations of contractors, builders, and homeowners across the region.
Now into its fourth generation of family ownership, A.G. Heins continues to thrive under the leadership of company president Gordon Heins. He attributes the business's endurance to an unwavering dedication to customer service and a willingness to adapt with the times, without losing sight of the company’s founding principles.
Like any long-standing business, A.G. Heins has seen its share of economic ups and downs. From the Great Depression to the 2008 housing crisis, the company has managed to stay solvent by keeping operations lean and relationships strong. During tough times, they doubled down on service, maintained a knowledgeable team, and earned the loyalty of a growing customer base.
While the core mission has remained unchanged, the company has modernized in ways that preserve its values. Technology has streamlined inventory, logistics, and customer interactions, but the personal touch still defines the A.G. Heins experience.
Beyond business success, A.G. Heins has played a meaningful role in supporting local tradesmen and women. Through sponsorships, partnerships with local vocational programs, and community engagement, they’ve contributed to building a stronger, more skilled workforce in East Tennessee.
That commitment to community is part of why the company has endured. Contractors and customers feel like they’re doing business with neighbors.
Marking 100 years in business isn’t just a milestone; it’s a celebration of the people and principles that built the company. As they enter their second century, ABC Greater Tennessee extends a heartfelt congratulations on A.G. Heins Company’s milestone and for proving that doing business the right way still matters.
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Raising the Bar: ABC Greater Tennessee Standardizes Apprenticeship with NCCER Curriculum
By: George Lokken, ABC Greater Tennessee Staff
ABC Greater TN is excited to announce that in the Fall of 2025 our Construction Trades Academy (CTA) will exclusively offer the NCCER curriculum for our craft training programing. As the landscape of the skilled trades education has undergone significant transformation in recent years with technological advancements, evolving industry demands and digital literacy need, ABC Greater TN has answered the call to be on the forefront of that transformation.
National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) has been offering craft training curriculum since 1996 and has been the standard for training nationwide. With ABC Greater TN partnering with NCCER will position us well to build up and train the next generation of skilled workers in Tennessee.
With almost five hundred apprentices in both East and Middle TN, standardizing our curriculum and offering nationally recognized credentials align well with our goals of continuing to grow our CTA programming and support the construction industry.
“NCCER curriculum provides a standardized framework that ensures trainees acquire the essential skills needed in the construction and maintenance sectors.” Said Cathy Tyler, Director of Workforce Development for NCCER “This nationally recognized curriculum helps employers identify qualified candidates who meet industry-specific benchmarks, enhancing workforce readiness.” Additionally, NCCER has created a Learning Management System (LMS) called NCCERconnect to help apprentices in the classroom. Cathy continues “NCCERconnect offers a digital platform that centralizes training resources, quizzes, and tracking, making it easier for both instructors and students to engage with the material. The interactive and flexible nature of NCCERconnect supports diverse learning styles and allows learners to progress at their own pace, ultimately fostering a more skilled and competent workforce.”
ABC Greater TN has also invested heavily into our training labs, making sure they are equipped to offer the apprentice a classroom experience that includes both industry standard curriculum and lab exercises that would simulate jobs site trouble shooting. Having access to both the NCCERconnect platform and the revamped lab space, the students will be prepared to tackle any problem on the jobsite. Instructors are also excited to see how the new curriculum will foster a renewed sensing of learning in our Academies. Not only will instructors offer a tests and quizzes to test students’ knowledge, NCCER requires performance evaluations be performed before an apprentice completes a module. Having apprentices’ complete performance evaluations in their respective trade will make sure that they are competent not only in the classroom but on the jobsite.
As ABC Greater TN looks forward to how to best serve our member companies and the construction industry in Tennessee, we believe this partnership with NCCER will help us advance this mission. With a large library of craft training, NCCER partnered with ABC-TN can offer trainings that fit your companies specific need. If you would like to explore how ABC can assist with helping build up your craft force, we are here to support you. Together we can achieve the goal of our CTA programs which is to “Deliver a full-service educational program that will provide a more professional, skilled, and safe construction workforce to support the successful competition of our ABC member companies in a free market economy.”
