Construction
Construction offers a wide variety of fulfilling and empowering careers, but the industry is facing a rapidly declining pool of skilled workers. Recruiting and retaining new employees is challenging and can lead to increased costs and project delays. The current workforce is aging, and employers need to attract younger talent to ensure the industry's sustainability. Construction has seen success with apprenticeships for years — it’s time to expand them to high school students.
Benefits of High School Level Apprenticeships
Implementing School to Apprenticeship (STA) programs that allow students to begin their Registered Apprenticeship (RA) during high school is a simple and sustainable solution to workforce issues in the construction industry.
- STA programs create an early talent pipeline of skilled workers by introducing students to the construction industry earlier.
- Diversifying recruitment provides opportunities for underrepresented groups to enter the industry, creating a more inclusive workforce that supports retention.
- Engaging high school students in apprenticeships attracts younger talent before they default to pursuing a traditional four-year degree.
- Hiring a new generation of apprentices grows the technological skills and knowledge to meet the industry's evolving needs.
Breaking Barriers
There are a lot of common misconceptions when it comes to hiring high school students to work in construction. We’ve done the research and are happy to bust some of these myths and break the perceived barriers that may cause hesitation.
- Insurance: The Maryland Insurance Administration has confirmed that workers compensation rates are not affected by the age of your employees.
- Safety: Apprenticeship is a supervised learning experience with dedicated safety training, and a Maryland OSHA (MOSH) Student Learner Agreement is signed between apprentice and employer.
- Occupational Hazards: According to the Maryland Department of Labor (DOL), participating in an apprenticeship overrides most hazardous work limitations for minors 16-18 years old.
- Program Approval: As of August 1, 2023, existing Registered Apprenticeships simply need to add a clause to convert to an STA, which MAC can provide. All you need to do is send an administrative change to the DOL.
Where to Start
MAC is powered in part by the Maryland Center for Construction Education and Innovation (MCCEI). Together, we are actively working with employers, training providers, and unions in the construction industry to overcome the workforce challenge through apprenticeships. Our first steps include:
- Hosting information sessions for employers to learn about the benefits of STA programs and how to implement them.
- Conducting webinars to provide guidance and best practices for developing and growing apprenticeships.
- Collaborating with schools to recruit students and raise awareness about career opportunities in construction.
- Organizing events where employers and training providers can connect with students and promote their apprenticeship opportunities.
- Forming partnerships with industry firms, educational institutions, and community organizations to support apprenticeship development and employee retention.
Learn more about the steps
Have questions? Please contact us for help.
Consider overlooked potential talent
How MAC Can Help
Employers are busy running their businesses and solving their own challenges so they can grow their organizations, their teams, and their impact on the economy. Share your workforce hiring and retention challenges with us, and we can help you navigate the solutions that will build your talent pipeline for today and the future.
Contact us to learn more about what we are doing and how we can help.
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