Press Releases
There are more women in the construction industry today than ever before. Historically, the industry has been dominated by males, and while that is still true today, we are slowly challenging this reality as the number of women in construction is steadily increasing. In 2021, women made up 10.9% of the United States construction industry which is up from 9.9% in 2018. This momentum is inspiring and is a motivator to continue the work of our many dedicated organizations, such as the Women Construction Owners & Executives (WCOE) California Chapter and the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of California. As leaders in the industry, WCOE and ABC of California chapters are working tirelessly to recruit, train, and create pathways for women to secure construction careers.
ABC of California Member Companies Achieve World-Class Safety Performance in Construction Industry Sacramento, Calif., (May 18, 2022) — Associated Builders and Contractors of California (ABC of California) today announced the California companies that achieved top honors on its national organization’s 2022 Safety Performance Report – an annual study utilizing a ...
As more women continue to build paths in various industries that have typically been male dominated—tech, manufacturing, trucking, construction—they are also building more opportunities as well as buildings. In March, The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of California, a state chapter of ABC, a national construction trade association, celebrated “Women in Construction Week”, highlighting the initiatives and work of women within in the industry. “Women in Construction Week” was introduced in 1960 by the National Association of Women in Construction, which was founded in 1953.
Bakersfield Californian, March 23, 2022 This Women’s History Month we are highlighting women who are making a difference in the community here at 23ABC. If you spend the day with these women, you’ll learn how to use everything from cranes to lifts. Their goal being to show if they could do ...
Opinion Editorial by Lisa Kelly published in the Bakersfield Californian on May 10, 2022 California’s workforce was weakened by the COVID-19 pandemic and while we are regaining many jobs, we have a long road ahead. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, men have largely recouped their labor force losses, while more than 1 million fewer women were in the labor force in January 2022 compared to February 2020.
Sacramento, Calif., April 1, 2022 – The Associated Builders and Contractors of California (ABC of California) today renewed its commitment to Second Chance Month in April – making a pledge to lift those up who are committed to rejoining society and making meaningful contributions. In March of 2021, the White House Proclaimed April as “Second Chance Month,” citing that incarcerated individuals after serving their time should have the opportunity to fully reintegrate into society and that America’s criminal justice system must offer meaningful opportunities for redemption and rehabilitation.
Opinion Editorial by Charles Oliver, a Carpentry Apprentice at ABC Northern California Chapter and works at Anderson Pacific Engineering A little over 7 years ago, I needed a career change. I was in a job that I had no chance of moving forward. I was a high-school graduate who needed more training to build the life that I wanted for my wife and children. That’s when I took a chance with a local construction company and my career took off. Now, I’m getting an opportunity for tuition-free craft training in the Associated Builders and Contractors of Northern California’s (ABC NorCal) Carpentry Apprenticeship Program and I’ve already graduated from the ABC NorCal’s Construction Craft Laborer Program.
Newly appointed to lead the Northern California chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, Deborah Maus will focus on apprenticeship support and providing long-term career opportunities. Associated Builders and Contractors' Northern California Chapter Board of Directors has chosen Deborah Maus as its new president and CEO. Maus' career has spanned over 25 years in strategic and operational leadership, including executive positions in transportation systems management with Parsons Brinckerhoff (now WSP USA) and the South Natomas Transportation Management Association in Sacramento. She made her move into construction trade associations in 2017, when she took on her most recent role as CEO of the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors of California.
Sacramento, Calif., October 26, 2021 – Associated Builders and Contractors of California (ABC of California) today announced 324 contractor members have achieved world-class safety standards through the Associated Builders and Contractor’s STEP Safety Management System. According to ABC’s 2021 Safety Performance Report, STEP participants, regardless of company size or type of work, can reduce recordable incidents up to 85%, making the best-performing companies more than six times safer than the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics industry average.
Three years ago, I was in federal prison wondering what life would be like on the other side of my sentence. Looking at my life now, I’m grateful that I found a purpose and a trade that gave me a second chance. I owe a lot to the Associated Builders and Contractors of California (ABC of California) Electrical Apprenticeship program and Champion Electric for treating me like a member of the family. Because one person had faith in me, I was introduced to the program that almost sounded too good to be true and I felt like I had a bright future ahead. ABC of California offered me a competitive wage, health care coverage, classroom and field training, and hands-on experience with Champion Electric where I am learning the craft from experts in the industry. It is hard work, but it beats the alternative which could’ve landed me in a different spot than I am today.