The June BIMForum, to be held on June 17 & 18, 2010, in Kansas City, Missouri, will focus on the primary principles revolving around Lean Design and Construction. The focus of this meeting will not only be on Lean concepts and methodologies for the AEC industry, but also how BIM can best be integrated into Lean practices AND how Lean can be best integrated into BIM practices.

If you have an idea for a presentation that you believe could help foster a greater understanding of this topic, go to bimforum.org to learn how to submit.

Did you know that your company can participate in the new Bring-a-Colleague program? Under this program, AGC offers a $500 discount per registration when multiple individuals from the same company register to attend any of AGC’s 2010 Construction Project Manager Courses.

AGC’s 2010 Management Program Course Schedule:
• April 25–30, 10 in Dallas, TX
• September 26- October 1, 10 in San Jose, CA
• December 5–10, 10 in Dallas, TX

Simply forward the customizable registration form with your company’s name in the referral field to your interested colleagues and AGC will deduct $500 from their registration fee. Your company saves money and you get to share this valuable training experience with a colleague, bringing even more value back to your organization.

Information on the program, along with future dates, are available at www.agc.org/PMC, or contact Carrie Harper at (703) 837-5316 or harperc@agc.org.

Planning is under way for two of AGC’s most sought-after annual conferences, the Training & Development Conference and the HR Professionals Conference.  For 2010, the conferences will be co-located in Scottsdale, Arizona, October 18-20, with separate tracks for each conference. 

The conferences offer unique opportunities for HR, training, and workforce development professionals in the construction industry.  The Training and Development Conference (T&D) will offer sessions related to the most cutting-edge techniques currently in the industry and envisioned for the future.  Offering a combination of roundtable sessions and expert speakers, the HR Professionals Conference will help HR professionals remain up to date and compliant with employment laws and best practices.

Last year, the conferences were held concurrently with many overlapping sessions.  This year, the conferences will have one full day of sessions each, plus one joint plenary session, along with several opportunities for participants at both conferences to network socially.  This adjustment will allow participants to attend each or both conferences, without having to choose between HR and T&D sessions.  As many budgets are still financially strained, a discount will be available for those who choose to attend both conferences. 

Mark your calendars now and stay tuned for more details.  We look forward to seeing you in Scottsdale!

Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis on January 20 announced nearly $190 million in State Energy Sector Partnership (SESP) green jobs training grants. The grants are designed to teach workers the skills required in emerging industries, including energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Only state workforce agencies were eligible to apply for these grants, but they were encouraged to partner with relevant local groups, including other trade associations, community groups, community colleges and union organizations. Of the 34 awards, AGC Chapters in Hawaii, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah and Wyoming partnered with the lead state workforce agency and will have a role in implementing the training.

AGC Chapters partnered in the following winning applications:
      • The General Contractors Association of Hawaii is listed as a partner on the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ successful application for $6 million to develop green industries in the state, provide incumbent workers with cutting-edge training in green skills and provide recruiting, training, placement and retention services to dislocated workers and veterans. Approximately 1,391 participants are expected to attain either certificates or licenses in green occupations.
     • The Master Builders of Iowa is listed as a partner on the Iowa Workforce Development’s successful application for $6 million to develop a statewide plan that will focus on sustainable jobs in the energy sector, train both new and incumbent workers with portable skills, and prioritize energy sector jobs for the state.
     • The Nebraska Building Chapter AGC, is listed as a partner on the Nebraska Department of Labor’s successful application for $4.9 million to develop and implement training and employment strategies in wind, biofuels and green sustainable building technologies. Following classroom instruction and project simulations, trainees will be placed into structured apprenticeship training programs with partner industries to develop on-the-job training skills and to ensure job placement. The partnership projects to recruit 950 persons from the ranks of the unemployed, veterans, at-risk youth and persons with a criminal record, with 867 entering training, and 737 participants completing training and earning certification.
     • Th Associated General Contractors of Utah is listed as a partner on the Utah Department of Workforce Services’ successful application for $4.6 million to establish a comprehensive statewide approach to work force development for all renewable and energy efficiency sectors. The project will employ an energy core curriculum to prepare participants for careers in targeted green industries. The initiative will place 1,206 participants – drawn from dislocated workers, disadvantaged youth and veterans - in jobs, provide 700 participants with certificates in WorkKeys, yield 456 nationally recognized degrees or certificates, and place 225 participants in apprenticeship programs. A total of 955 participants will be placed in unsubsidized, training-related employment.
     • The Wyoming Contractors Association is listed as a partner on the Wyoming Workforce Development Council’s successful application for $4.5 million to provide resources to eight local training projects that will train workers in energy efficient occupations. The projects will use mobile labs to provide training to individuals in remote or rural areas; will conduct outreach to disadvantaged populations to upgrade skills for work in the renewable electric power industry; and will focus on participant attainment of degrees or industry-recognized certificates in energy-efficient building; weatherization; energy management in heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning; and green construction. Approximately 1,041 participants – drawn from unemployed individuals, tribal members, individuals with a criminal record, veterans, at-risk youth, and dislocated workers -will be trained and placed in energy efficient occupations. The Wyoming Contractors Association’s McMurry Training Center will receive $361,930 to provide safety training for wind energy workers and training in recycling of concrete materials.

Additionally, AGC member BigSTEP is listed as a partner on the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development’s successful $6 million grant application to provide green skills training in construction, manufacturing, and smart grid utility occupations within the energy sector. Approximately 2,944 participants - veterans, dislocated workers impacted by auto industry restructuring, individuals who are currently employed in the targeted trades and in need of updated green skills training, recipients of public assistance, and other low-income individuals - will complete training and receive a certificate or degree.

The grant awards range from approximately $2 million to $6 million each. They were made to State Workforce Investment Boards (SWIBs) in partnership with their state workforce agency, local workforce investment board or regional consortia of boards, and One Stop Career Center delivery systems.

A news release with a summary of each grant is available online: http://www.doleta.gov/ETA_News_Releases/20100078.cfm

A complete listing of each award winner, its partners, its project description and expected outcome, also is available online: http://www.doleta.gov/pdf/SESP_Summaries.pdf

The average age of a worker in the construction industry rose dramatically in 2.5 years from 38.9 in 2006 to 41.4 in 2009, according to the latest statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey (CPS).

The average worker’s age, which has risen steadily for years, is unlikely to decline as the enormous baby boom generation continues to age. In 2001, the average age for construction workers was 38.7, only 1.5 years older than it was in 1992 at 37.2, and just 1.2 years younger than in 2006.

According the survey, 39.1 percent of the construction industry’s workers were under age 35 in 2006; only 33.2 percent were in the same demographic in 2009. Meanwhile, the percentage of construction workers who were at least age 45 rose from 34.3 percent in 2006 to 41.6 percent in 2009.

The Current Population Survey (CPS) is a monthly survey of about 50,000 households conducted by the Bureau of the Census for the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The survey has been conducted for more than 50 years. The CPS is the primary source of information on the labor force characteristics of the U.S. population.

The AGC Houston Chapter, along with several other organizations, joined a group headed by SER – Jobs for Progress of the Texas Gulf Coast, Inc., to win a $3.1 million Pathways Out of Poverty grant from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

The grant will serve high school dropouts, ex-offenders, and unemployed and disadvantaged individuals in Houston, Texas, through employment in energy efficiency and renewable energy industries. Other partners include Houston Community College, the U.S. Green Building Council and the  AFL-CIO. SER is a national, private, nonprofit organization making a positive impact on families across America.

According to the SER – Jobs for Progress of the Texas Gulf Coast application, the partners plan to train and place approximately 300 individuals in weatherization, energy-efficiency and energy-efficiency-assessment occupations. The participants will train for employable proficiency and apprenticeship admission in the core competencies for construction and building trades required by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). Upon successful completion of pre-apprenticeship training, participants will receive occupational training in one of three occupations: 1) weatherization worker technician coupled with Green Advantage certification; 2) solar panel installer; or 3) HERS energy rater/whole house diagnostician. Participants will subsequently receive on-the-job training and full-time employment through the grantee’s placement service, and support services through the grantee’s partnering organizations.

DOL encouraged applicants to focus project efforts in communities located within one or more contiguous Public Micro Data Areas (PUMAs) where poverty rates were 15 percent or higher. PUMAs are geographic areas designated by the U.S. Census Bureau. All applicants were required to have experience serving economically disadvantaged populations. DOL has posted a complete list of all 38 grant recipients, along with their project descriptions.

The AGC Federal Contractors Conference, April 26–29, 2010 in Washington, DC, is the only national event where contractors and Federal agency personnel can meet in a collaborative forum to review Federal construction contracting issues and trends from around the United States. These insightful and highly productive exchanges have solidified the need for both Federal construction contractors and the Federal construction agencies to share information on a wide variety of issues, foster better communication, and create real solutions.

Learn more and register today.

March 24, 2010 – 2:00 – 3:30 pm EST

Using real-world examples, two leading construction attorneys will discuss many of the differences between ConsensusDOCS and AIA standard form construction contract documents. 
Key issues that will be addressed include:
• Owner Financial Information  
• Substantial Completion
• Means and Methods   
• Substantial Completion
• Submittal Schedule   
• Insurance
• Change Orders   
• Roles and Responsibilities
• Dispute Resolution   
• Indemnification
• Retainage    
• Liquidated Damages
• Order of Precedence

Duration:  90 minutes (including live Q & A)

AGC Members:  $20
Non-members: $49

Register and learn more.

Sponsored by AGC of America and Hinckley, Allen & Snyder, LLP.

The Rhode Island AGC and Gilbane Construction partnered with Rhode Island Department of Education, the Community College of Rhode Island, the state’s Workforce Investment Boards and the international unions for laborers, electrical workers, carpenters, ironworkers, painters, plumbers and pipe fitters, to win a $3.72 million U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) grant.

The Energy Training Partnership grants were created as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and were designed to teach workers the skills required in emerging industries, including energy efficiency and renewable energy.

The Rhode Island group, known as The Providence Plan, has three core objectives:
     • Deliver pre-apprenticeship training in green construction for unemployed workers;
     • Partner with labor organizations to integrate green training modules into existing apprenticeship
        curricula; and
     • Upgrade skills of journey level tradesmen in green technologies so the industry can respond to green
        construction and renewable energy projects.

The project will deliver a certified pre-apprenticeship model to its participants, while labor organizations will leverage their registered apprenticeship system to cultivate a green-ready workforce and support journey-level upgrades. Employer partners will work to align training with emerging sector needs and implement procedures in which green-certified craftsmen are given priority on energy-related jobs.

The applicants expect the grant will provide training in pre-apprenticeship, green apprenticeship, and journey-level skills upgrades in green technologies for approximately 1,600 low-skilled, urban residents of Providence and place 800 in green energy jobs.

The Providence Plan is one of 25 grantees sharing approximately $80 million in grant funds. Other grant winners are serving a variety of national, state and local communities. Complete summaries of each successful applicant’s goals, partners and scope can be found here.

AGC of America invites the Student Chapters to attend its 91st Annual Convention in Orlando, Fla. The Convention will be held March 17-19, 2010, at the Marriott World Center Resort. Below are some of the events we have planned for students.

Operation Opening Doors – Come a day early to volunteer!
We are looking for volunteers and donated supplies to retrofit the house of a disabled veteran on March 16. Operation Opening Doors is a charitable effort to provide accessibility and quality of life improvements to the homes of disabled veterans. This will be a hands-on event as we will retrofit a wounded soldier’s home in Orlando. This day has also been pre-approved as a Give a Day. Get a Disney Day. event.

Student & Faculty Registration
AGC’s  Convention is a great opportunity for students to meet peers and contractors from across the country. AGC is again providing a discounted registration rate for students and faculty. Student registration is $25 per person. Faculty registration is $150 per person.  At this rate, students will have access to all the AGC Campus activities, Convention professional development sessions, the open committee meetings, AGC Pavilion (exhibit floor) and The Willis HRH Party.  There is also a special hotel room rate for students. Limited quantity available.

AGC Campus
AGC will host its second annual AGC Campus at the Convention. The AGC Campus is a two-day interactive, educational event specifically designed for students and young professionals in construction management. Join us March 18-19, as the AGC Campus brings students together with leading construction employers and industry experts. 

AGC Annual Student Chapter Meeting
The AGC Annual Student Chapter Meeting will be held on Thursday, March 18, from 8:30 AM-10:00 AM at the AGC Campus.  At this exclusive meeting, Student Chapters will learn about AGC recognition programs, AGC Education Foundation Scholarships and recruitment trends.

Student Chapter Table Tops
New this year, AGC Student Chapters may display their table tops throughout the AGC Campus days, March 18-19. These are offered complimentary to all Student Chapters. Contact Carrie Harper to reserve a table top at the AGC Campus. 

For more information regarding any of these events, please contact Carrie Harper at (703) 837-5316 or via email harperc@agc.org.