Denver, CO – The Associated General Contractors of Colorado (AGC) recently hired two Construction Careers Now recruiters to the AGC staff. The Construction Careers Now program was unveiled on July 20, 2016 by the Lt. Governor, Donna Lynne, at a live press conference held during the AGC’s Breakfast with the Board. Erika Anderson, a bilingual Spanish proficient professional, and Jim Spence, a talent acquisition specialist, joined the AGC team as Construction Recruiters for outreach and recruitment for future students to enroll in a one-month construction pre-apprenticeship program at the Emily Griffith Technical College (EGTC).
The Construction Recruiters were hired through the Construction Careers Now program, which was made possible from a $1 million grant under the WORK Act Grant program to provide training and awareness of skilled work in the construction industry. AGC, in association with the Colorado Contractors Association (CCA) and the Hispanic Contractors of Colorado (HCC), was awarded this grant to partner with EGTC for a 30-day pre-apprenticeship program. The program targets 18 – 28-year-old males and females who are under-employed or unemployed. The teaching program will provide a gateway into the construction industry with introductions to the various trades from plumbing to masonry to carpentry and other skilled trades.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to bring on two highly qualified and ambitious recruiters as part of the Construction Careers Now program. Erika’s energy and enthusiasm combined with Jim’s seasoned experience and network of contacts provides a balanced combination to attract applicants and to fill the monthly pre-apprenticeship program,” comments Bryan Cook, AGC’s Chapter Operations Director.
Ms. Anderson holds a Masters in Counseling from Denver Seminary with a background in bilingual education, recruitment and working with grants to serve as an advocate in the community. Mr. Spence is a retired U.S. Army Sergeant with more than 20 years of experience as a recruiter in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. He excels at connecting quality applicants with firms through his extensive network, and has recruited both locally and nationwide.
Both Ms. Anderson and Mr. Spence will work in conjunction with the grantee organizations to develop and maintain a network of contacts to help identify and source qualified candidates for the Construction Careers Now program. The Construction Recruiters will be responsible for outreach at job fairs, career days, high school outreaches, and construction industry events. They will also develop and maintain contacts with local high schools and other public organizations to find and attract underemployed and unemployed applicants.
Photos and images courtesy of AGC of Colorado
