ABC-SEMI Issue 1 2018

Southeast Michigan Contractors  Issue 1 2018 5 BUILDING OUR LEADERS OF LEADERS OF TOMORROW Tomorrow ABC Focuses on Workforce Development Reaching out to younger generations and engaging them in what a career in construction can provide is a priority, and will continue to be a priority going into 2018 and beyond. We currently boast a record number of students who are taking our Electrical and HVAC programs at Southeast Michigan Construction Academy (SEMCA) our Madison Heights training facility. In addition, we launched satellite campuses in both Monroe and Lapeer Counties to meet the continued demand for training and workforce development for ABC members. We offer a complete apprentice program to stu- dents in Electrical at Lapeer. In addition, at Monroe High School we offer students both Electrical and HVAC training to help meet the demand for skilled craftsmen. We also anticipate expanding into Lenawee County in 2018 and hope to further expand our Madison Heights campus to accommodate the increasing demand for training for our members and more. ABC SEMI Safety Programs We continue to see an increase in the need for safety education for our members here at ABC SEMI. In addition to the creation of our current ABC Safety Committee, we have also responded by offering classes over the past year covering various topics to help members keep their employees safe. These classes have been offered in different locations, often at our members location, around Southeastern Michigan to THE ECONOMY IS STRONG IN SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN. It is a great time to be a contractor and to have many opportunities available to us, but as a contractor you may have noticed that having all these opportunities have been putting stress on your company due to the lack of workforce and leadership. We are faced with a small pool of trained craftsmen to do all this work and in the next few years, we will have up to 17% of our trained craftsmen and leaders retiring from their trades. Where can we find all the people we need to fill those jobs? As chair of Associated Builders and Contractors of Southeastern Michigan Board of Directors, I am focused on expanding our training and education for our future leaders and building a pipeline of skilled workers for our membership. This last year, our association developed the Emerging Professionals program to grow the future leadership of our members. With great success, we are into our second year of the program and we will be developing an ongoing series of events and seminars to further cultivate that group. ABC of Southeastern Michigan offers our membership great opportunities with training and education, events for networking, safety services, and alignment to the merit shop and free enterprise philosophy. Join me this year and take part in all of the activities and benefits that ABC SEMI has to offer and continue to use ABC as a resource to better your company. ABC’s professional staff is here to help you find solutions. I look forward to continuing to lead you this coming year. Robert Clancy, Robert Clancy Contracting Chair, ABC SEMI National Craft Championships 2017