Our mission is clear: to build a robust, diverse talent pipeline that meets the evolving needs of our region’s construction industry, ensuring its continued growth and success.

The Construction Careers Council is forging a bright future for West Michigan’s construction industry by cultivating a diverse and qualified workforce. Our council represents various trades, uniting employers, educators, workforce agencies, unions and associations to address current and future talent needs.

Projections indicate a demand for 16,000 new workers in the construction industry over the next five years. There are critical shortages in 17 of the hottest jobs in West Michigan which include millwrights, mobile heavy equipment mechanics, electricians, civil engineers and woodworking machine operators.

Through strategic initiatives, we tackle workforce development challenges head-on through our three strategies:

• CAMPAIGN: Implementing initiatives to promote construction careers across all age groups, showcasing opportunities and benefits.

• SUSTAIN: Creating projects focused on the individuals in construction and implementing retention strategies to maintain a skilled workforce.

• TRAIN: Developing programs for skill enhancement of current workers and introductory training for newcomers interested in construction.