Rhonda Crowder, Properties Magazine
With an aging workforce, diversification of the regional economy and the educational system's focus on college paths, there is a growing skills shortage in Northeast Ohio's construction and building trades industry. Consequently, these factors threaten Greater Cleveland's economic growth and prosperity by hindering employers who need motivated, skilled tradespersons.
When you think of an industry dominated by men, construction might be one of the first that comes to mind.
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
A new study by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute found that a union apprenticeship may be a better ticket to the middle class than a traditional four-year degree.
For the first time since October 2019, the Cleveland Building Trades Tradeswomen Committee hosted their Apprenticeship Fair.
The semi-annual event was paused in 2020 and the first part of 2021 for COVID-19 safety precautions.
After a year and a half pause, the apprenticeship fair resumed with an in-person event in mid-October at the Plumbers Local 55 Union Hall. The event drew more than 230 students and adults.
Josh White, Construction Executive
The construction industry is a major contributor to the U.S. economy, employing more than 7 million people and creating nearly $1.3 trillion worth of structures annually. An impressive portion of these employees have a military background—in fact, roughly 15.5% of all U.S. veterans will enter the construction industry at some point in their careers, according to PlanGrid’s Construction Productivity blog.
The Cleveland Metropolitan School District, in its Vision for Post-Pandemic Learning, is launching a student-centered approach to career exploration, active planning, and decision-making. This initiative, PACE (Planning and Career Exploration), builds on and aligns to all CMSD Priorities, including but not limited to The Cleveland Plan, Say Yes to Education, and the Equity & Inclusion Declaration.
Jim Mackinnon, Akron Beacon Journal
Brook Karnosh's career move involves shifting from working on one of the world's largest warships to woodworking as a carpenter. After four years of active Navy duty and traveling the world, she returned to Ohio, went into the reserves and got jobs in the private sector, including at Welty Building Co. As she looked for direction in her life, Karnosh found she likes carpentry.
Jeff Yoders, ENR Midwest
Union apprenticeship programs in the construction industry produce salary and social outcomes for workers equivalent to the jobs and social situations of those with four-year college degrees, a new union-backed study of 10 years of federal statistics concludes.
Katie Kuehner-Hebert, Constructor
The term “essential worker” took on a whole new meaning in 2020 as many employees — who considered their contribution to the workforce valuable — lost their jobs, thanks to the tailspin caused by COVID-19.
