Indiana construction industry booming like never before
Insulators International Staff — Fri, Nov 11, 2022 @ 11:11 AM
Jason Smith, Insulators Local 18 Business Manager, appeared on the America's Work Force Union Podcast and discussed becoming President of the Indiana State Building and Construction Trades Council (ISBCTC) and the state’s construction boom.
On Nov. 10, Smith spoke about the impact of Indiana's construction boom on the trades and called the next five years of construction in Indiana “spectacular.”
There are many projects currently happening in the Hoosier State, with more on the horizon. He noted that Indiana took advantage of the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act and invested additional funds from the state budget.
He added that many public projects in the area are being carried out with Project Labor Agreements, and then described a wide range of other initiatives currently happening.
Additionally, In September, Smith was elected president of Indiana State Building and Construction Trades Council. The ISBCTC represents roughly 75,000 Indiana union construction workers, and all should see an increase in their work hours next year.
According to Smith's estimation, the next five years will present the ISBCTC membership with an opportunity that occurs once every generation. This will allow ISBCTC-associated unions to increase their membership and market share. It will also lead affiliated Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees to expand their registered apprenticeship programs.
More young people from Indiana should enter the construction industry.
Finally, Smith emphasized the importance of expanding Indiana's registered apprenticeship programs and boosting recruitment in the state's high schools. He constantly informs legislators and guidance counselors of the advantages and perks of registered apprenticeship programs.
Smith stresses the opportunities they provide and the fact that they are self-funded. He said apprenticeship programs are the best-kept secret in the world, but he conceded that it is challenging to attract students one-on-one in secondary schools.