At the 2013 National Craft Championships (NCC), Daniel Ary Sr. from Bakersfield, Calif., represented ABC member company TIC in the welding-pipe competition. During the competition, Ary displayed his passion for his craft and his passion for being a part of the construction industry is clearly demonstrated in the video below. By sending a craft trainee to compete in the 2014 NCC competition, ABC members can also showcase their talented and dedicated employees.

According to a survey of ABC members, 75 percent of respondents’ companies are experiencing a shortage of willing and qualified craft professionals. These results support the findings of the Construction Labor Market Analyzers’ 20/20 Foresight Report, which shows there will be a nationwide shortage of nearly 2 million skilled craft workers by 2017.

ABC Pelican Chapter President Alvin Bargas discussed the importance of career and technical education (CTE) programs to the construction industry in testimony Sept. 20 during a congressional subcommittee hearing.

The National Craft Championships (NCC) Intent to Compete deadline is fast approaching. ABC members and chapters that want to send their best craft trainees to compete in the 2014 competition should have their competitors submit a form before Dec. 6. Visitwww.nationalcraftchampionships.org for more information. 

ABC May 3 recognized Michael Arledge, a journeyman electrician for Greiner Electric, Littleton, Colo., as its 2013 Craft Professional of the Year. ABC also announced Anthony Ayotte, craft training manager for the Cianbro Institute, Pittsfield, Maine, as its 2013 Craft Instructor of the Year. The awards were presented during ABC’s 21st Century Workforce Development Conference in Birmingham, Ala. 

A new Facebook contest beginning Thursday, April 25 supports the 2013 National Craft Championships (NCC) competitors who are gearing up for the competition, which will be held April 30-May 2. The contest provides an opportunity to vote for one of the 13 crafts represented at the competition. To vote, visit the NCC Facebook page here. The winning craft will be announced at NCC Thursday, May 2.

A new Facebook contest beginning Thursday, April 25 supports the 2013 National Craft Championships (NCC) competitors who are gearing up for the competition, which will be held April 30-May 2. The contest provides an opportunity to vote for one of the 13 crafts represented at the competition. To vote, visit the NCC Facebook page here. The winning craft will be announced at NCC Thursday, May 2.

A new Facebook contest beginning Thursday, April 25 supports the 2013 National Craft Championships (NCC) competitors who are gearing up for the competition, which will be held April 30-May 2. The contest provides an opportunity to vote for one of the 13 crafts represented at the competition. To vote, visit the NCC Facebook page here. The winning craft will be announced at NCC Thursday, May 2.

ABC members that want to participate in training that draws on the expertise of the leading companies and professionals in the business, get tools to improve on-the-job-performance and earn continuing education credits still have time to register for the 21st Century Workforce Development Conference, April 30-May3 in Birmingham, Ala.

ABC members that want to participate in training that draws on the expertise of the leading companies and professionals in the business, get tools to improve on-the-job-performance and earn continuing education credits still have time to register for the 21st Century Workforce Development Conference, April 30-May3 in Birmingham, Ala.