AGC of America has additional copies of the Build Your Future DVD, produced by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) that is available to members in good standing and Chapters for no charge.This DVD is a great way to introduce young people to the many opportunities in the construction industry. Chapters and members are encouraged to use the video at career fairs, summer camps, and any events where there will be young people. The DVDs are also great to give to guidance counselors and career and technical education teachers.AGC is proud to be a platinum sponsor of this biannual video, produced by our open shop craft training curriculum partner, NCCER. The DVD takes a labor-neutral posture; it does not advocate for open shop contractors, it merely seeks to showcase great workers on great projects.AGC also has available a companion poster and a brochure about participating in National Careers in Construction Week 2009, to be held October 12-16.We are making these materials available to members and Chapters on a first-come, first-served basis until we run out. Please email Liz Elvin at elvinl@agc.org to request copies of the DVD and companion materials.

Many contractors and managers fail to realize that the ability to successfully negotiate isn’t a product of luck or magic or even a specific talent. The ability to successfully negotiate is a skill that can be learned. In this two day seminar, Negotiating Skills for Contractors, participants will gain valuable working knowledge of negotiating and listening and how it will benefit their relationships, both personally and professionally.

  The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) has released Contren® Learning Series “Drywall Level Two” curriculum. This textbook is the second of two levels and features six new modules: commercial drawings, cold-formed steel framing, acoustical ceilings, interior specialties, exterior cladding and specialty finishes.

In order to help AGC members and Chapters sponsor Build Up! kits, we are holding a buy-one-get-one-free sale (or buy one Build Up! kit for only $100). AGC Build Up! kits are an engaging educational resource for young people to learn about the construction industry and the careers it offers. We are hoping that by bringing down the price, AGC members and Chapters will be able to provide more kits to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America that have asked for sponsors.

Michigan and Texas have both announced they will be devoting $1 million in funding to support Registered Apprenticeship. In Michigan, $1 million from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding will be used to provide incentives for companies that sponsor new apprentices. Texas has announced that $1 million in Workforce Investment Act funding will be added to its Apprenticeship Training Program to help prepare Texas workers for occupations in high-demand skilled trades.

The theme for Fall BIMForum meeting, to be held on October 8-9, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pa., will be “BIM AS THE EVOLVING STANDARD OF CARE: Driving process transformation for designers, contractors and owners.” The BIMForum Leadership is submitting this call for proposals to solicit ideas for presentations that explore the depth and breadth of this topic. Click here for more details about the Fall BIMForum Call for Presentations!Contact Megan McGarvey at mcgarveym@agc.org or 703-837-5369 with any questions.

Attending the AGC's 2009 Training & Development Conference (T&D) and HR Professionals Conference provides a unique opportunity for contractor and Chapter staff to participate in industry-focused sessions to learn innovative approaches to managing training and human capital.

Negotiation as construction projects progress is inevitable. In many companies, project managers handle a significant amount of this negotiation. To some, the word “negotiate” denotes an adversarial tone. Others prefer to think of negotiation simply as a “means to an end.” However, no matter how it is viewed, savvy negotiation skills are critical for success. The volume and tactics of negotiation varies widely by company, type of work and the demands of projects. Some organizations negotiate everything from the contract to subcontracts, purchase orders, change orders, payment terms, etc. Other organizations negotiate very little. However, this important business skill is crucial for project teams to make money, build and maintain relationships and meet schedules for the long-term.

More than 122,000 front-line construction supervisors and managers have participated in AGC’s Supervisory Training Program (STP) since its inception, building their supervisory skills. Each year AGC’s Supervisory Training Committee (STC) reviews the program to determine which units to update in order to guarantee the program remains highly-relevant and effective.

2009 Market Insights Series - July 23, 2009, 2:00-3:30pm (EDT)The 2009 Market Insights Series, presented by AGC, Reed Construction Data and the American Institute of Architects (AIA), is a free quarterly webcast series delivering the most up-to-date information on current and forecasted construction activity.Join expert economists Ken Simonson, Jim Haughey and Kermit Baker for Turning Points in Construction, a free, 90-min. webcast focused on the key factors affecting the recovery of the construction industry. Register here!