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Educators, Industry Leaders Join Together to Help Fill Workforce Pipeline at Build Up Kansas Instructor Conference

11.15.24

WICHITA, KS – The construction and skilled trades industry leaders came together with the state’s educators at the 4th Build Up Kansas Instructor Conference with one goal in mind: how they can best assist in teaching and preparing the next generation of Kansas’ workforce.

Discussions and breakout sessions at the day-long conference in Wichita organized by Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Kansas and Build Up Kansas included the impactful curriculum from National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). Topics included how it is facilitating meaningful instruction in schools across the state; how hands-on best practices prepare students for the workforce, and what is new in updated courses and curriculum.

Kansas educational and government leaders spoke and met with the instructors, who came from the state’s high school, community college and vo-tech colleges.

“Construction is the economic engine of the state,” said keynote speaker Dan Hawkins, Kansas Speaker of the House. “Workforce development is the biggest problem in the state, and you’re helping solve it.”

With NCCER curriculum, more than 200 certified instructors in 125 Kansas high schools, community colleges and vo-tech colleges are enhancing vocational programs. The NCCER training, along with hands-on practical experience gained from these programs, is getting young people into the workforce in immediate, high-paying jobs such as welding, finished carpentry, heating and air conditioning, sheet metal working and electrical. Often without the debt incurred by many four-year university students.

Cathy Tyler, NCCER Director of Workforce Development, called Build Up Kansas “the model program in the country” in how AGC of Kansas works with schools and the industry. One new development she showed was the introduction of agricultural trades skills, endorsed by the FFA and the Agriculture Council.

Attendees also had a chance to meet with AGC of Kansas members directly to partner for career and technical education opportunities, including hands-on work experience. On panels, industry members answered questions about how to get instructors’ students directly involved and how they could help in the classroom or place them on job sites. Employers also shared what skills and knowledge they’re looking for to help fill the gap in the workforce.

An estimated 58,000 skilled workers over the next five years are needed to meet Kansas’ construction and growth needs.

“Big companies and small businesses need to know that Kansas has the workforce available for their projects,” said Mike Gibson, Executive Vice President of Build Up Kansas. “This education is putting young women and men in a great position to succeed and giving them the tools for a successful career path.”

AGC of Kansas exhibitors in attendance included:

  • Central Consolidated
  • Conco Construction
  • Czarniecki Construction
  • Dondlinger Construction
  • Higgins Group
  • Hutton
  • Icon Structures
  • KBS Constructors
  • McCownGordon Construction
  • Midwest Drywall
  • Simpson Construction Services

About AGC of Kansas – Associated General Contractors of Kansas, or AGC of Kansas, is the “Chamber of Commerce” for the Kansas Construction Industry. The construction firms and employees we represent work in commercial, industrial, petrochemical, pipeline, and water and waste-water construction marketplaces. They work on the majority of construction projects in Kansas. Visit https://agcks.org/ for more information.

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