Building diversity in the construction trades

There are a growing number of opportunities for women and minorities who want to enter the construction trades. Today's commercial and industrial construction industry is facing a significant worker shortage. It is estimated that more than 1 million new jobs in the construction field will be created in the next 10 years. In the past decade, the construction industry has taken on a new look, with women and minorities entering jobs in the field. Opportunities range from skilled craft professional and job foreman to project manager and company owner. "There is no better time than today to begin a career in construction," says Kirk Pickerel, president and CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), a national trade association. To learn more, go to the ABC Web site at www.abc.org and click on Education and Training. Then click on Craft Training and Apprenticeship.