The AGC Education Foundation took first place for Core Plus Construction in the innovation competition at AGC of America’s Annual Convention in Grapevine, Texas this March.
The competition and award were created in 2018, to celebrate AGC of America’s 100th anniversary and to incentivize and encourage free thinkers to provide pioneering solutions to industry challenges.
This year’s four finalists were invited to present their industry innovation to a panel of judges. First, second, and third place was announced during the opening session. Diane Kocer, Executive Director, and Sarah Paterson, Workforce Development Director were in attendance to accept this award. Diane says “Core Plus Construction was created by Washington State’s construction industry. It’s truly an industry-led program and we accepted this award on behalf of AGC of Washington members and our generous sponsors – Lease Crutcher Lewis, Abbott Construction, Absher, Sellen Community Foundation, Lakeside Industries, GLY, and Schuchart.”
Created by the AGC of Washington Education Foundation, in partnership with AGC of Washington, CORE PLUS Construction (CPC) is an official Washington State program of study. It allows high school students to explore construction careers through construction trades classes that provide credit equivalencies for third-year math, science, and English language arts and industry certification.
CPC students can graduate high school with industry job offers, college acceptances, and scholarships.
This 1080-hour program of study includes a curriculum and resources. This ensures that all schools, regardless of size or funding, can offer students a free, quality construction education that is consistent across the state. CPC has proven to be scalable. Core Plus Construction works with students, educators, and counselors in rural areas that might not otherwise have funding to access construction education. Benefits of this industry-aligned program include the opportunity for general contractors to volunteer as instructors, offer job site tours, and serve as mentors.
State approval of the program resulted in $500,000 legislative dollars given directly to schools for equipment. This funding is a direct result of Core Plus Construction.
“We believe this program is innovative, strategic, and is aligned to address the workforce shortages. With twenty-four schools and 5 Regional Skills Centers already adopting the program, we have proof that this program works. We are proud of this program and believe that it can be replicated by other chapters. Thank you to AGC of America for this recognition and award”
Sponsors
Partners
