Construction Workforce Coalition
Marek Family of Companies is a proud Supporter of The CWC.
CWC ACTIVITIES ADDRESS WORKFORCE SHORTAGE
The Construction Workforce Coalition (CWC) is composed of various local construction associations and industry representatives. The mission of the coalition is to ensure that an adequate supply of workers is available to the industry.
The highlight in 2000 for the CWC was the success of the Greater Houston Construction Career Days. More than 5100 students from twenty-four school districts in the Greater Houston area attended the inaugural three-day fair. The event, hosted by the Federal Highway department, was "huge success" and is again scheduled for 2001.
A summary of other activities supported by CWC:
Student Job Shadowing - CWC coordinates with school districts to organize field trips for students to job sites. They work with General Contractors of particular job sites to schedule visits and arrange for the Job Supervisor to participate if possible. This is usually done in the Spring.
Teacher/Counselor Job Shadowing - Similar to Student Shadowing... However, CWC tries to get the teachers and counselors into an office setting of a GC or Subcontractor so that they can observe internal operations as well as visits to job sites. These tours are scheduled in early summer when students are out of school.
High School Cate classes - CWC is asked to teach classes related to the industry, usually in the Career and Technology area. This is done all year round with an average of 4-5 classes per month.
High School Career Fairs - CWC attends all high school career fairs. They have a booth with a large visual, hand-out materials, and, if possible, their famous CWC video.
Build-Up Kits - Developed by Scholastic Inc. - a 79 year-old international publisher of educational books and media for children-the Build Up! Tool Kit contains a video, lessons, hands-on exercises, and a variety of building materials. With the kit's comprehensive activities, teachers and contractors show children how much fun construction is, how construction improves their quality of life, and how many exciting careers it offers. CWC presented the AGC Build-up kit to several 5th grade classes in 2000 with much success and interest! They will continue presenting in 2001.
Boot Camp Instruction - The CWC hosts classes at the Harris County Boot Camp related to the Construction Industry for recruitment of graduates. They also attend all graduations and offer graduates a place to work upon release, if interested.
Advisory Boards - The CWC sits on several school District Advisory Boards in the Greater Houston Area to exchange information and to be involved in all related areas of the industry.
Job Placement - Finally, the CWC partners with a staffing company to place individuals in the construction industry.
