ACTE Features an Interview With Bob Vila
There are indicators that the construction industry is challenged with not only having enough people but also with having the right people with the right training and experience. Construction Education points out there is a continuing shortage of qualified people and that because of the aging workforce there is anticipated to be more jobs than there are students graduating, both now and into the future.
In its efforts to provide industry perspectives the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) has added an interview with Bob Vila, host of television shows “Bob Vila” and “This Old House,” to its “Career Tech Talk” podcast series, which features interviews with leaders and innovators in Career and Technical Education. Vila describes the current state of the construction industry, and he provides advice on how to increase the number of talented workers. He suggests making more apprenticeships available and encouraging students to obtain certifications. In the past 20 years, the construction industry has experienced many changes, and Vila reveals the top innovations in construction.
“Career and Technical Education plays a vital role in addressing the skilled worker needs in the construction industry,” says Bryan Albrecht, president of Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, WI, and president-elect of ACTE. “From career awareness through skill training including industry and apprenticeship programs, ACTE and CTE provide the teacher support to build America’s workforce. In a highly skilled profession like construction, students must be as well prepared in math and science as they are in the tools of the trade. It is that awareness and experience that CTE provides to students.”
The ACTE is the nation’s largest not-for-profit education association dedicated to preparing young people and adults for successful careers. It provides advocacy, public awareness and access to information, professional development and tools that enable members to be successful and effective leaders. Founded in 1926, ACTE has more than 29,000 members including teachers, counselors and administrators at the middle school, high school and postsecondary levels.
There are other efforts underway to help tame construction labor issues. The National Center for Construction Education and Research created an entry-level assessment so employers can quantify and qualify the skill levels of new employees. Oftentimes construction workers show up at the job without any formal training documentation. These assessments mean an employer can not only ascertain the employee’s level of proficiency but can also discover the best prescription for further training.Many states and localities have organizations that focus on training for people in the construction sector and there are also private entities that offer specialized training. The Construction Education Foundation of North Texas for example offers accredited courses in crafts and trades, safety and supervision, to name just a few.
Often you find that people in construction learn how to do what’s necessary for the job and then they just quit learning. In order for the industry to really begin solving its most pressing issues continuing education has to move to the forefront.
Do you have learning opportunities built into your human resources plan?
