Wellesley, MA – In 2019, the Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts (AGC MA) through a grant from the MA Construction Advancement Program (MCAP), held a statewide Opioid Stand-Down as part of its Building the Path to Recovery campaign to eliminate opioid use in the commercial construction industry. The goal of the 2019 stand-down was to raise awareness, provide resources and reduce the stigma involved with opioid use.
In 2020, AGC MA will continue to build awareness to fight opioid use and its stigma by collaborating with OSHA and various industry partners to hold a second statewide Opioid Stand Down day during the last week of April, which is being designated as Building Trades Recovery Week that will also include presentations and educational programs in an effort to generate massive public awareness.
Concerns about worker availability remain, with more than 80% of respondents to the November AGC of America poll stating that they continue to have difficulty filling needed positions. Contractors throughout the country expect to hire more workers in 2020, and the Northeast has the highest percentage of firms expected to add personnel. As part of its most recent strategic plan, the AGC MA Workforce Development Task Force has committed to tackling the obstacles of workforce development and diversity within the industry.
Through an additional grant from MCAP, this task force will launch in 2020 a statewide outreach and educational campaign promoting the benefits of careers in construction management. The campaign will encourage students in elementary, middle or high school to consider a career in construction and assist those who are preparing for their first jobs in the industry. The campaign will also re-educate students, guidance counselors, teachers, parents and the general public on the opportunities in CM.
Members rely on AGC MA as an industry thought leader and have recently reached out to inquire how the association can expand or assist with establishing internal diversity programs for their employees. The result: the AGC MA Building Women in Construction (BWiC) and Diversity & Inclusion Committees plan to meet with industry allies to launch a multi-media awareness, Building Respect Campaign to provide AGC MA members tools, information and collateral to help build a workforce culture that is equitable and safe for everyone.
In 2020, AGC MA will continue its mission of Building Excellence in the Commonwealth by offering cutting edge safety, technical, educational and other career advancement programs and services; labor relations and HR support; legislative advocacy; public agency representation; and business development platforms such as networking events and publications for its members.
