Associated General Contractors of California : Construction Education Foundation Announce Go Build California Founding Partners

New statewide workforce development campaign will launch with financial support and mentorship from leading California construction groups

SACRAMENTO- The AGC Construction Education Foundation (AGC CEF), the workforce development arm of the Associated General Contractors of California (AGC), today announced the addition of the Associated Builders & Contractors ( ABC), California Homebuilding Foundation ( CAHF), Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange ( SRBX) Education Foundation, Western Electrical Contractors Association ( WECA) as Go Build California Founders & Partners. The group is supported by additional program sponsors such as Royal Electric and Marina Landscape.

As California's labor shortage grows, trade organizations and construction firms are investing more heavily in recruiting and training workers. 'It's an industry-wide problem that needs an industry-wide solution,' said Erin Volk, Vice President of workforce and operations for AGC of California and AGC CEF. 'Partnering with Go Build and leading industry groups will ensure we have a far-reaching message.'
Go Build is a comprehensive, labor-neutral workforce development initiative that seeks to enhance the image of the construction industry and inform young people, parents, and educators about the about the opportunities in the skilled trades. This all-inclusive approach, seeks to bring together employers, associations, contractors, training providers, apprenticeship programs and workforce development organizations across the state under one rallying cry: Go Build.

'Go Build California will do more than just publicize the problem - it's a collaborative approach in actively closing the skills gap to provide critical recruitment resources,' said Go Build Executive Director Ryan Dwyer. 'To change hearts and minds - and ultimately dispel misperceptions about the industry - we must effectively engage, inform and inspire the next generation.'

Go Build has launched a number of successful programs in Alabama, Tennessee, and now California, establishing itself as a workforce development leader in the industry with an impressive track record. Just last month, the national Go Build America campaign launched with an enhanced website and new recruiting tools for employers and associations, while incumbent workers can search for jobs with contractors to fill skilled trade positions. Go Build California intends to bring that legacy here to California as it addresses the ongoing labor shortages.

With support from industry partners, launching the new Go Build California website is the next phase in bolstering California's pipeline of tradesmen and women. These partners, in addition to Procore.org who was announced in November as the program's first Platinum Partner, will provide key industry insight that will guide Go Build California's strategy over the coming years. The full Go Build California campaign and website will launch this February.

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_{About the AGC Construction Education Foundation
The AGC Construction Education Foundation was founded by the Associated General Contractors of California (AGC), to establish construction as a viable career option and to promote the development of construction careers. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit benefit corporation that relies on donations to carry out its mission. To learn more, visit agc-org/Foundation.}

About Go Build California
Go Build California is a comprehensive workforce development initiative that seeks to enhance the image of the construction industry and inform young people and their influencers about opportunities in the skilled trades. Go Build California is supported by the Associated General Contractors of California Construction Education Foundation (AGC CEF). To learn more, visit gobuildcalifornia.com.