Wellesley, MA. – On October 16, design and construction professionals from the Greater Boston area assembled to hear J. Doug Pruitt, president, Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), discuss his theme for his tenure, “Dare to Challenge – Dare to Change.” Pruitt talked about the size and complexity of the total construction industry, how it touches every aspect of people’s lives more than any other industry. Schools, homes, hospitals, airports, highways, power plants are part of every citizen’s everyday life and these facilities are built through the endeavors of the professionals within the construction industry. He went on to discuss a number of issues that must be addressed by the industry in order for the country to compete in a global economy and maintain the quality of life we have all come to know. Productivity is a key issue. Manufacturers and high technology firms have increased their efficiencies over the last 20 years. By utilizing alternative forms of delivery, becoming more adept at using technology and lean construction practices, the industry should see real gains in quality and productivity. Secondly, the industry will face severe shortages at the professional, technical and craft worker level as the baby boomers retire, and with fewer young people embracing the industry. The industry must pull together to create a more image friendly atmosphere to entice young people to choose design and construction as a viable career path. Pruitt also talked about the state of the K-12 system, which is seeing increasingly high dropout levels throughout the country. He suggests building coalitions of business groups to challenge the educational system so that the country can compete on a global front
Pruitt Addresses AGC
On October 16, design and construction professionals from the Greater Boston area assembled to hear J. Doug Pruitt, president, Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), discuss his theme for his tenure, “Dare to Challenge – Dare to Change.” Pruitt talked about the size and complexity of the total construction industry, how it touches every aspect of people’s lives more than any other industry. Schools, homes, hospitals, airports, highways, power plants are part of every citizen’s everyday life and these facilities are built through the endeavors of the professionals within the construction industry. He went on to discuss a number of issues that must be addressed by the industry in order for the country to compete in a global economy and maintain the quality of life we have all come to know.
