Alabama’s construction industry plays a vital role in the state’s economy, generating an estimated $17 billion in economic impact. For the Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama (ABC of Alabama), ensuring a strong, skilled workforce to sustain that impact remains the industry’s most pressing priority.
Workforce development consistently tops the agenda whenever ABC of Alabama convenes its members. The organization has long focused on expanding recruitment, reducing barriers to entry and building clear career pathways for Alabamians interested in construction trades. That mission gained new momentum with Gov. Kay Ivey and the Alabama Legislature’s decision to reorganize the Department of Labor into the Alabama Department of Workforce.
State leaders, Harrison argues, made a strategic move by creating a centralized workforce system designed to align education, industry and government. The goal is to foster long-term economic growth by ensuring employers can access skilled talent while residents gain access to sustainable, high-paying careers.
Leadership of the new Department of Workforce falls to former State Senate Pro-Tem Greg Reed, a longtime advocate for workforce development and a consistent supporter of the construction industry. Harrison notes that Reed’s experience and understanding of industry needs position the department to deliver meaningful results.
At ABC of Alabama, leaders are eager to collaborate with Gov. Ivey, Reed and other policymakers to expand training opportunities and strengthen Alabama’s labor pipeline. The state already offers well-paying construction jobs, Harrison emphasizes, but continued investment in training and recruitment is essential to filling them with Alabama workers.
A coordinated approach between business leaders and policymakers can help ensure individuals entering or reentering the workforce have access to the certifications and hands-on experience employers require. One example is the Academy of Craft Training (ACT), a workforce initiative that introduces high school students to skilled trades through instruction led by industry professionals.
.jpg)
The program gives students early exposure to construction careers while allowing them to build practical skills that translate directly into employment opportunities. Harrison recently hosted Reed for a tour of the Academy, highlighting how industry-led training can connect education to real-world jobs.
After visiting the program, Reed reaffirmed the department’s commitment to collaboration, saying: “This is exactly the kind of collaboration Workforce Alabama was built to support – industry and education working together to create pathways for Alabamians. When we connect people to opportunities like this, everyone wins.”
Harrison says it is encouraging to see state leaders matching industry investment with public-sector support. While contractors continue to focus on recruiting, training and retaining workers, government engagement strengthens those efforts and helps scale successful programs statewide.
Public awareness also plays a critical role. Informing Alabamians about the range of construction careers available — and the earning potential they offer — can boost workforce participation and ensure the industry has the talent needed to support continued economic growth.
Looking ahead, Harrison expresses optimism about the direction of Workforce Alabama under Reed’s leadership and the opportunities ahead for partnership. He believes sustained collaboration will produce tangible benefits not only for the construction industry but for communities across the state.
“When construction wins, Alabama wins,” Harrison concludes.
Tim Harrison is the chairman of the Associated Builders and Contractors Board. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News.
Originally reported by 1819 News.
