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Associated Builders & Contractors IL Chapter Bridges Diversity In Construction Gap

Alicia Martin, ABC IL Chapter President

Alicia Martin, ABC IL Chapter President

Chicagoland community training program for the unemployed transforms lives and in some cases, helps workers earn more than $100,000 a year

CHICAGO, IL, USA, June 18, 2018 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Although many organizations claim a valuation standard for culture and diversity, it's always exciting and encouraging to see those with empirical evidence. Associated Builders & Contractors, Illinois Chapter, is such an organization. Today, the 501(C) (6), non-profit organization announced it will continue to offer a certification program so that the demographics of Illinois’ construction workforce reflect the demographics of the state.

Associated Builders & Contractors was founded in 1950 by seven contractors in Baltimore, Maryland. Alicia Martin is President of Associated Builders & Contractors, Illinois Chapter. The association is recognized as a leading organization representing the Illinois business community, and the merit shop construction industry. Martin ensures that underserved and unemployed Illinois youth and adults receive the skills and competencies needed to become workforce-ready, craft workers. From this juncture, they can take a career path to endless opportunities.

The ABC, IL Chapter president was asked by Journalist, Fran Briggs, how Chicagoland and Central Illinois would sustain their economic impact despite an aging, construction workforce, and limited advancement opportunities.

"We share a short informational video to help illustrate why Associated Builders & Contractors, Illinois Chapter’s training program is a logical fit. In a few years, Illinois will need 139,000 skilled, craft worker professionals,” explained Alicia Martin. “Our objective is to continue to meet the industry's demand with a diverse group of workers.”

The informational video features young people from Illinois sharing how they overcame doubt and completed training, to becoming certified, gainfully employed, enjoying life, and in some cases, earning more than $100,000 a year.

Martin stated says that ABC, IL Chapter trains unemployed youth who earn industry-recognized, certifications. “As an organization of employers, we have a social responsibility to give back to the communities where our members live and work. I’m very excited about the work we’re doing to be a more inclusive industry for minorities and women," she concluded.

In 2016, Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc., Illinois Chapter was awarded a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The funds were used to position its apprenticeship training program and its nationally recognized, construction credentials.

ABC, IL lends itself to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. Their sponsors, members, private sector, public sector, states, localities, and companies are part of a collaborative effort. Martin says that these agents contribute to advocacy and provide employment, mentoring, partnership and networking. "The organization thrives on members, volunteers, and sponsors who believe in the merit shop philosophy,” she added.

To view the company’s video on this topic, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwvzUY5TmMc

To learn more about the association’s services for businesses and members in Illinois, visit http://www.abcil.org.


ABOUT ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS, INC., ILLINOIS CHAPTER

Founded in 1975, Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc., Illinois Chapter is is a 501(C) (6), non-profit organization that thrives on members and sponsors who believe in the merit shop, philosophy. It is recognized as one of the leading organizations in the Illinois business community, as well as the merit shop construction industry. ABC, IL Chapter represents over 350 contractor and supplier members. It trains more than 300 apprenticeship and craft trainees each year. The organization uses exclusive membership benefits; safety and craft training; legislative advocacy; and Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc., Illinois Chapter networking events, to help its members develop people, win work, and deliver that work safely, ethically, and profitably for the betterment of the communities it serves.

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