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The United States is facing a growing shortage of skilled construction workers, and the gap is expected to approach 2 million by 2018. Additionally, the latest Associated General Contractors of America survey has found that 83% of construction firms are having trouble finding qualified workers. And the challenge to employers is compounded by 17% of skilled workers who will retire in the coming years. For their part, disadvantaged workers often cannot afford simple costs such as initiation fees, tools, boots, or other pre-requisites for entry to apprenticeship training.
With this in mind, LCPtracker, Inc., the leader in construction compliance management software solutions for public works, in partnership with nonprofit, Emerald Cities Collaborative (ECC), has announced today a new national construction apprenticeship assistance program called Skills Build Us!
Skills Build Us! – The Nation’s Construction Apprentice Assistance Program – helps address both the construction industry’s need for qualified, diverse workers and the financial needs that, if unmet, can block disadvantaged workers, women, and veterans from apprenticeship training. The program is designed to help disadvantaged workers, including those who are homeless, emancipated foster youth, residents of public housing, and others, overcome financial barriers.
By ensuring the availability of the next generation of skilled workers, and enabling disadvantaged workers, women, and veterans to enter high-wage construction careers, the program is a win-win for everyone.
LCPtracker has created and launched the program’s brand and website, http://www.SkillsBuildUs.org, where users can make tax-deductible donations to help disadvantaged workers gain entry into apprenticeship programs. As part of the launch, LCPtracker will leverage its significant client base and key relationships in the industry to promote this new initiative.
Mark Douglas, President, and CEO, LCPtracker, Inc.: “This program is designed to help pave the way for disadvantaged workers in our communities to transition into construction careers. My goal is to have thousands of contractors who participate in helping people who want and need jobs and give them a chance to get those jobs. With the worker shortage, it only makes sense that contractors help train and educate the workforce in this industry so desperately needs. What better way to do this than by changing the lives of these people while at the same time addressing our national skilled labor shortage?”
Veronica Soto, Program Director at Emerald Cities Collaborative: Billions of dollars in U.S. construction activity is at risk due to a skilled labor shortage, yet many disadvantaged people, veterans, and women are ready and willing to fill those jobs. Skills Build Us! addresses artificial barriers that block workers seeking entry to high-wage careers – the cost of a pair of boots, a union initiation fee, transportation, or other simple but critical needs. Together with LCPtacker, ECC invites our construction industry partners to help build the skilled workforce they need by contributing to this unique and timely program.”
-Learn more about the Skills Build Us! program and donate at http://www.SkillsBuildUs.org
-Learn more about Emerald Cities Collaborative: http://www.emeraldcities.org
About LCPtracker, Inc.
LCPtracker, Inc. is a leading software service provider specializing in construction site compliance related software, located in Orange, CA. The main solution, LCPtracker Pro, is a powerful web-based SaaS solution for collecting, verifying and managing certified payrolls and other labor compliance related documents. Our products are available for both desktop and mobile applications. Over 200 government agencies and 200,000 contractors have used LCPtracker for their certified payroll reporting. As a long-standing trusted partner, LCPtracker works closely with government agencies and contractors assigned to public works construction projects.
About Emerald Cities Collaborative
Emerald Cities Collaborative is a national nonprofit network of organizations working together to advance a sustainable environment while creating economic opportunities for all. ECC is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and works in “Emerald Cities” nationwide with local and national partners that bring resources and expertise from the community, labor, business and government sectors.