Apprenticeship & Workforce Development

Dedicated to Educating Tomorrow's Workforce

G. David Sload: Helping keep Pennsylvanians employed with bi-partisan support

HARRISBURG, PA, August 22—The Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC), Keystone Chapter represents 30,000 skilled construction employees in nearly 700 companies throughout most of Pennsylvania. We fully recognize the workforce shortage is growing and that there are several Pennsylvanians that have hit barriers to employment due to legal issues. We started a journey years ago of being good corporate citizens, advocating to our membership the importance of helping people with criminal records get or maintain a job. This is simply smart business by compassionate humans.

Read More »
August 22, 2024

Voters Support Merit for Construction Project; Not Union-Exclusivity

HARRISBURG, PA, August 13—Both Gov. Shapiro and legislators have spoken publicly in favor of policy that skews construction labor favorably to unions while intentionally seeking opportunity to cut out construction workers that have chosen not to be unionized. At Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) we have advocated for decades to have a level playing field that does not favor anyone, and awards construction projects based on merit. This means that union or non-union workers get bids based on performance, not politics.

Read More »
August 13, 2024

Apprentice Spotlight | Bryce Mayer

Bryce Mayer, J.D. Eckman, Inc.Carpentry 3A What made you choose the trade you are learning?I chose the carpenter trade because my company offered two programs through ABC: carpenter and operator.

Read More »
February 1, 2024
A Message from the ABC Keystone Chair of the Board

Mid-Year Update on ABC Keystone

Back in February, I wrote about the growing trend for RCOs (Responsible Contractor Ordinances) that are popping up in municipalities throughout the Central PA region. Though potentially damaging to those municipalities, they have been isolated to date. ABC Keystone continues to track these isolated incidents and respond accordingly by attending public meetings and providing suggested modifications to the RCOs to make it fair for local trades to compete on public works projects in their communities. Our voices are being heard and we will continue to push back against the unfair and unjustifiable requirements…

Read More »
August 14, 2023
A Message from the ABC Keystone Chair of the Board

RCOS 2.0

Back in February, I wrote about the growing trend for RCOs (Responsible Contractor Ordinances) that are popping up in municipalities throughout the Central PA region. Though potentially damaging to those municipalities, they have been isolated to date. ABC Keystone continues to track these isolated incidents and respond accordingly by attending public meetings and providing suggested modifications to the RCOs to make it fair for local trades to compete on public works projects in their communities. Our voices are being heard and we will continue to push back against the unfair and unjustifiable requirements…

Read More »
July 10, 2023
A Message from the ABC Keystone Chair of the Board

Take Time to Recharge

On Thursday, May 25, 98 apprentices will graduate from the ABC Keystone Apprenticeship program, marking a milestone in each one of their careers. Graduates will be representing 42 different companies across seven various trade programs (carpentry, construction craft laborer, electrical, heavy equipment operator, HVAC, plumbing, and sheet metal). What an extraordinary achievement for each of these individuals! Reaching this milestone doesn’t happen without hard work, dedication, drive, and commitment to their trade.

Read More »
June 19, 2023
A Message from the ABC Keystone Chair of the Board

Message from the Chair: ABC’s Commitment to Training Tomorrow’s Workforce

On Thursday, May 25, 98 apprentices will graduate from the ABC Keystone Apprenticeship program, marking a milestone in each one of their careers. Graduates will be representing 42 different companies across seven various trade programs (carpentry, construction craft laborer, electrical, heavy equipment operator, HVAC, plumbing, and sheet metal). What an extraordinary achievement for each of these individuals! Reaching this milestone doesn’t happen without hard work, dedication, drive, and commitment to their trade.

Read More »
May 9, 2023
A Message from the ABC Keystone Chair of the Board

Message from the Chair: Developing a Culture of Safety

Construction workplace safety is arguably the most critical part of our businesses. By its nature, construction is inherently a dangerous occupation. Day in and day out, our construction workforce is installing the infrastructure of tomorrow. These job sites are fraught with potential risks to the well-being of our workforce. Our industry has transformed immensely since the turn of the 20th century, most notably in 1970 when the Occupational Safety and Health Act was signed into law to ensure safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards and providing training. Since the inception of OSHA, workplace fatalities have been reduced by more than 65%. But having OSHA standards isn’t enough to ensure your workforce and trade partners go home safe and healthy at the end of the workday. As leaders in this industry, we must be committed to developing and nurturing a safety culture in our organizations.

Read More »
April 3, 2023

Local ABC Keystone Apprentices Awarded
Top Honors at National Craft Competition

(Manheim, PA) March 17, 2023 — Today, ABC Keystone announced four member companies won 4 of 82 National Excellence in Construction® awards, presented during the ABC Convention 2023 in Orlando, Florida, on March 16. The EIC awards are the construction industry’s leading national competition that honors general and specialty contractors for world-class, safe, and innovative construction projects from across the country.

Read More »
March 21, 2023

ABC Keystone Members Earn National Construction Project Honors

(Manheim, PA) March 17, 2023 — Today, ABC Keystone announced four member companies won 4 of 82 National Excellence in Construction® awards, presented during the ABC Convention 2023 in Orlando, Florida, on March 16. The EIC awards are the construction industry’s leading national competition that honors general and specialty contractors for world-class, safe, and innovative construction projects from across the country.

Read More »
March 17, 2023

135 Shellyland Road, Manheim, PA 17545 | (717) 653-8106
©2022 ABC Keystone | ABC Staff Login