8 | RAMS MONTHLY
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MC3 Summer Grad Recap 2025
The U.S. construction industry remains a cornerstone of the national economy in 2025, with spending estimated at $2.2 trillion in 2024, representing about 4.5% of GDP and employing more than 8 million workers (Construction Coverage, 2024). Market analysts project steady expansion, with the industry’s value expected to reach $1.27 trillion in 2025, reflecting a growth rate of 5.6% year-over-year and a compound annual growth rate of 4.4% through 2029 (Research and Markets, 2025). These figures highlight the industry’s resilience as it navigates both economic opportunity and ongoing challenges. Growth prospects vary across sectors. Forecasts suggest that total U.S. construction starts may rise by 8.5% in 2025, led by a 12% jump in residential starts and nearly 7% growth in non-residential projects (ConstructConnect, 2025). This growth is supported by favorable market sentiment, continued housing demand, and infrastructure investment. However, other forecasts urge caution, predicting a potential 1.8% decline in starts as a result of inflation, tariff uncertainty, and broader economic pressures (ConstructConnect Q2 Report, 2025). Civil infrastructure projects, fueled by government spending, are expected to provide a stabilizing effect against market volatility. Despite optimism, the industry faces significant headwinds. Labor shortages, fluctuating material costs, and regulatory hurdles continue to slow project delivery (Cushman & Wakefield, 2025). At the same time, firms are embracing innovation to adapt: AI-powered tools, collaborative robotics, digital twin modeling, and sustainable construction practices are becoming more mainstream, especially in commercial and industrial projects (JLL, 2025). Public-private partnerships and federal funding for affordable housing and infrastructure modernization are also shaping the industry’s future (Finance Yahoo, 2025). As the sector evolves, balancing growth with sustainability and workforce development will remain at the forefront of the construction landscape.
By: David Nunez On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, Victor Valley College’s Workforce Development and Construction Technology Departments proudly hosted the MC3 Summer Construction Apprenticeship Readiness Graduation Ceremony at the VVC Event Center. We celebrated 24 outstanding students who completed the Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) and are now on their way to careers in the skilled construction trades! Over the six-week Summer semester, these students gained hands-on experience in framing, carpentry, roofing, electrical work, painting, and more, culminating in an impressive final project which entailed building a fully functional shed. Additionally, students had the opportunity to earn their American Heart Association CPR and OSHA-10 certifications. Throughout the program, students explored various career pathways in
construction by visiting union training centers and engaging with union trade representatives through various Trade Talks. The ceremony featured inspiring remarks from Victor Valley College Superintendent/President Daniel Walden and Building and Construction Trade Council Executive Secretary Albert Duarte, recognizing the hard work, dedication, and bright futures of these graduates! Congratulations to all our graduates! We are excited to see you build a successful future in the skilled trades! Victor Valley College will be offering MC3 again in the Winter, if you or someone you know maybe interested, please reach out to Dave Nunez at David.Nunez@vvc.edu or Tony Bonato at Antony.Bonato@vvc.edu.