Construction employers across the United States continue to focus on workforce retention, apprenticeship development and skilled labor recruitment as contractors face ongoing craft labor shortages. Ames Construction employees were recognized during the 2026 Women Building Success awards program in Minnesota, reflecting continued industry attention on workforce participation and leadership development within the union trades sector.
The awards event was held in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and recognized tradespeople and workforce advocates across multiple construction disciplines.
Ames Construction employee Juventina Bustos, affiliated with Local 49, earned finalist recognition and honorable mention status in the Apprentice of the Year category. April Lee, also associated with Local 49, was nominated for Journeyworker of the Year.
Lisa Houle, who serves as Ames Construction’s operational risk and wellness manager, received nominations in categories recognizing leadership and workforce advocacy.
According to event information, nominees were recognized for jobsite performance, teamwork, workforce support efforts and contributions to the skilled trades community.
Construction workforce organizations and union programs continue to prioritize apprenticeship participation, leadership advancement and recruitment initiatives aimed at expanding labor availability across the industry.
Recognition programs focused on skilled trades participation have become increasingly common as contractors and labor organizations seek to address long-term workforce needs in heavy civil, utility and infrastructure construction markets.
Ames Construction operates across multiple construction sectors, including civil, concrete paving, utilities and structural concrete work.
For contractors and construction owners, workforce recognition initiatives can support craft labor retention, apprenticeship development and leadership growth within skilled trades organizations. Industry labor shortages continue to affect project delivery schedules and workforce planning across infrastructure and heavy civil construction markets.
Programs recognizing apprentices, journeyworkers and workforce advocates also highlight the importance of long-term talent development strategies as contractors compete for experienced craft professionals and future workforce capacity.
Source: Ames Construction.
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