Publication: AGC Constructor, November/December 2024

While They’re Young

In pursuit of the next generation of constructors, AGC members and other organizations are moving up — and down — the educational spectrum to engage tomorrow’s talent today.

By A.D. Thompson

Every kid in the world loves LEGOs. But only some LEGO kids have the passion that carries them forward to a place in life where they’re really building the hospital, the school and maybe if they’re lucky, the pirate ship (assuming it’s part of a resort complex).

And in an industry where workforce development has topped the wish list for more than a decade — a recent survey by The Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America and Arcoro confirms members’ continuing struggle to stay staffed — tapping into this natural resource has been challenging.

Few school districts have programming that supports construction careers. Most that do, don’t tap into the pool until high school, and many don’t include spaces outside the classroom, where real-time skills — and excitement in their employment — help engage.

Post-graduate challenges, too, chip away at the ranks of those who might join the workforce.

Around the nation, AGC members are creating unique programs to fortify those ranks.

Generation “Next”

Z’s already hitting the workplace but the one right behind it, Generation Alpha, is about to embark on its first wave of “tweens.” The folks at Poettker Construction, a member of multiple AGC chapters, which specializes in construction management, have their eyes on this soon-to-be prize.

“As proud sponsors of Junior Achievement, CharacterPlus and other development programs, we’re committed to fostering growth and opportunity,” said John Carroll, executive vice president and chief operations officer. “The NextGen initiative was a natural extension of this commitment, helping us connect students and teachers with the construction of their facilities and providing interactive opportunities for students to shape their futures while advancing our communities.”

The gist: Through NextGen, students from pre-K to high school are encouraged to pursue careers in construction management, architecture, engineering, skilled trades, safety or quality, participating in everything from groundbreaking to dedication ceremonies as they mark project milestones.

“Poettker also offers hands-on career success opportunities though STEAM learning, paid internships and workforce development programs,” Carroll noted.

Community impact sponsorships see elementary and middle school students submitting detailed plans and goals for a group project or initiatives that will create lasting positive impacts where they live.

“The program started through conversations with clients,” said Carroll, “exploring how we could better engage their students outside of the classroom and address their future needs.”

The first round of wards was distributed to Litchfield Elementary’s School Olympiads Program, Richland County Early Learning Center and South Central Middle School, all in Poettker’s home state of Illinois, in May of this year.

“As we expand the program, our aim is to reach more schools in the community and create a lasting, meaningful impact that inspires students,” said Carroll. “We’ll continue to grow alongside the evolving needs of our construction management clients, finding new ways to help students develop and thrive within the industry.”