ABCMembersInvest $1.5BinConstruction WorkforceEducation

Associated Builders and Contractors member contractors invested more than $1.5 billion to provide nearly 1.3 million course attendees with craft, leadership and safety education in 2022, according to its 2023 Workforce Development Survey, down from $1.6 billion in 2021.

The assessment quantifies the scope of ABC members’ workforce development initiatives to advance employees’ careers in commercial and industrial construction to build the places where Americans live, work, learn, heal and play.

Key findings include:

• ABC contractors invested an average of 8.0 percent of payroll on workforce development in 2022, up from 7.4 percent in 2021, responding to the need for more than half a million additional construction workers in 2023.

• Safety education for more than 700,000 course attendees sustainability benefits of full equipment technology implementation for all stakeholders are not only highly compelling, they are becoming increasingly essential to our future."

As innovation accelerates in the coming years, OEMs, technology providers and tier 1 component suppliers will continue to develop the next generation of technology that will support industry stakeholders and beyond. Additional support comes through positive and supportive public policy, including:

• Strategic use of state and federal funding to create efficiencies and long-term ROI

• Incentives to drive adoption of new technology throughout the construction industry

• Education of stakeholders on benefits of construction equipment technology and their significant impact

• Assurance that the enabling infrastructure is in place to support implementation of technology accounted for the greatest share of spending, at 59 percent, up from 56 percent in 2021.

The adoption and implementation of next generation technology, along with existing construction equipment technologies, will drive additional benefits in productivity and performance, planet and environment, as well as people and safety.

On Display: Showcasing Latest Trends, Advancements in Construction Technology Equipment manufacturers, technology providers and the construction industry brought aspects of the study to life May 14 to 16 at the Celebration of Construction on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Twenty-four participatingAEM members showcased cutting-edge innovations, including alternatively powered equipment, autonomous systems with live demonstrations and an array of other tools that are enabling the construction industry to sustainably build the infrastructure that makes modern society possible. Seventeen partnering organizations were set to add their voice to this incredible story.

Exhibits focused on workforce development, worker safety, sustainable materials and best practices that are completing the tapestry that is modern construction. AEM, member companies and partner organizations used the three-day event as an opportunity to amplify the construction sector, its efforts in innovation and sustainability, as well as its positive impact on the American economy.

• Trade and specialty contractors boosted their share of the total workforce development investment, growing to 42 percent in 2022 from 33 percent in 2021.

“ABC member contractors are building the people who build America by investing billions to cultivate their longterm skill sets, creating a brighter future for both workers and workers’ families,” said Greg Sizemore, ABC’s vice president of health, safety, environment and workforce development.

“ABC member contractors are investing in flexible, competency-based and market-driven education methodologies to build a construction workforce that is safe, skilled and productive. Continually upskilling our people, our most valuable asset, means the merit shop construction industry is ready to build the infrastructure, manufacturing plants, data centers and other buildings that will keep America competitive in the global marketplace.”

ABC’s approach to workforce development has produced a network of chapters and affiliates across the country that offer more than 800 apprenticeship, craft, safety and management education programs to build the people who build America.

Industry consulting firm FMI conducted the 2022 Workforce Development Survey from Jan. 4 to May 5, 2023. Aggregated data was derived by calculating the average amount spent on education by each respondent and multiplying that by the total number of ABC contractor members.

For more information, visit abc.org. 