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Building California's future

Learn more about the people and purpose behind Build California

BUILD CALIFORNIA IS A CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY REBRANDING AND RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN.

OVERVIEW

Today 70% of college students graduate with student loans, averaging about $37,000 and dismal job prospects in their desired field. Despite increased media attention about on-going labor shortages and other workforce development efforts, young people simply aren’t considering (let alone pursuing) careers in the trades. According to AGC of America, 80% of contractors “report difficulty finding qualified craft workers to hire as [the] association calls for measures to rebuild workforce.”
So where’s the disconnect? The problem lies in people’s perception of the industry. We have to change hearts and minds – we have to redefine our industry; we have to re-educate Californians, and we have to invest in our own legacy so that future generations aspire to be tradespeople. Build California’s pioneering approach utilizes a mix of marketing, advertising, public relations, and grassroots outreach tactics in order to actively engage with Californians of all ages about the lucrative, long-term, and immediate benefits of careers in the state’s construction industry.

MISSION & VISION

Build California is a comprehensive workforce development initiative created to inspire, engage and activate the next generation of California's construction workforce. We do this by shaping positive perceptions of the construction industry, informing young people and their influencers about the real career opportunities in construction and connecting them to local training programs.
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    Authentically showcase the diverse career and training pathways the modern industry has to offer
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    Effectively reach and inform audiences on multiple platforms with targeted messaging
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    Present a perspective on the industry that is actually “cool” to both young people & other target audiences.
Build California's vision is to create a steady, motivated and skilled workforce pipeline for California's construction industry.

Our unique approach is defined by an ability to:

Frequently Asked
Questions

  • Build California’s pioneering approach utilizes a mix of marketing, advertising, public relations, and grassroots outreach tactics in order to actively engage with Californians of all ages about the lucrative, long-term, and immediate benefits of careers in the state’s construction industry.

    With immediate, long term career opportunities – and not simply short term, or seasonal jobs – in California’s construction industry, Build California seeks to provide a sustainable and stable pathway for millions of residents across the Golden State.
  • We want to create a steady, motivated, and skilled workforce pipeline. To do this we have to change perceptions about the 21st-century construction industry in order to increase the number of construction professionals and access to information and opportunities for economic advancement.
  • Our successes will be measured by our ability to communicate an accurate, engaging message so that pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship and degree programs seeing meaningful increases in applications for years to come.
  • Build California is led by AGC of California through the AGC Construction Education Foundation (CEF). This effort exemplifies AGC CA's continued commitment and organizational responsibility to fostering a healthy and diverse construction workforce that will continue to build California’s future.

    A diverse coalition of industry stakeholders has joined together to support and amplify our efforts across the state for years to come.
  • Build California does not offer training directly. Our website includes the state's most comprehensive database of training pathways, including accredited apprenticeship programs and college degree options.
  • Educators will have access to FREE tools developed by Build California to use in classrooms, training programs, and events. You can also request additional information to get involved through career fairs and event activation efforts by contacting us via the form below.
  • If you're interested in joining Build California's efforts and having exclusive access to our resources, materials, and marketing opportunities, contact us here.
  • Follow the sign-up link, connect with us on social media, and tell us more about yourself/your organization.

    Become a Build California Ambassador! Students, parents, educators, and influencers need to hear from a network of passionate individuals who not only know the industry but walk the walk every day.
BUILD CALIFORNIACoalition


The Build California Coalition is a group of diverse organizations from across California’s construction industry providing resources and support to the AGC Construction Education Foundation and Build California. Coalition members represent all areas of the industry, including AGC members, public agencies, private owners, associations, unions, apprenticeship programs, and other non-profits focused on and committed to developing the next generation of skilled, effective and motivated construction workforce.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW TO JOIN THE COALITION, CONTACT US HERE.

Founders

Supporters

  • AGC North Bay District Board
  • AGC San Francisco District Board
  • Built Robotics
  • Flatiron
  • Hensel Phelps
  • Independent Construction Company
  • Kiewit
  • Marina Landscape, Inc.
  • Northern California Carpenters Regional Council
  • Northern California Laborers Training Center
  • NOVA Group, Inc.
  • Ortiz Enterprises
  • Underground Construction Co., Inc.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? GET IN TOUCH

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