United Contractors

Microcredentials are short, hands-on courses that industry employers recognize as certifying applicants to work in skilled jobs. They can be acquired within a week to just under two years and are often “stackable,” allowing earners to return for a broader credential, certification or degree.
Advocates argue that microcredentials are preferable in today’s inflationary economy to racking up six-figure student loan debt for a liberal arts education that borrowers may never use.
There are now more than 1 million unique badges, licenses, certificates and diplomas available nationwide.
“The incentive is quality education that doesn’t put them in debt,” said David Will, the engineering school dean at Ivy Tech, which offers a range of microcredentials. “We give them hands-on skills for a lifelong career to support their families.”
Mr. Will said more people aged 18 to 22 have signed up to earn credentials while apprenticing as HVAC techs, plumbers, pipefitters, electricians, operating engineers and painters. That’s unusual for a commuter college system that usually draws older students with families.
Other certifications include those for mechanics, electricians, welders, machinists, software engineers, and automation and robotics specialists.
According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, more than 1 million students enrolled in an undergraduate-level certificate program in Spring 2024, up from 919,000 in 2019. Preliminary estimates released Wednesday show certificate enrollment grew by another 7.3% this fall, while first-year college enrollments among 18-year-olds fell by 6%.

More high school grads choose ‘microcredentials’ over four-year colleges More college-aged students have pursued nonacademic “microcredentials” to work in the skilled trades since the COVID-19 pandemic ended, shunning costly degrees.

Sustainability in roofing goes beyond energy efficiency — it’s about meeting diverse project goals.
🎓In this "Sustainable Roofing Made Simple" Webinar, sponsored by GAF - Roofing | Siplast, discover how roof assemblies can integrate circularity, solar reflectivity, and overburden options like green roofs, water management, and rooftop solar.
➡️Case studies will highlight how these elements contribute to certifications like LEED, WELL, and Living Building Challenge.
❓How can your roof design align with sustainability goals?

https://brnw.ch/21wO0fc

“The construction industry added jobs for the fifth consecutive month despite labor shortages,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “The industry unemployment rate rose to 3.7% in September, but that’s still lower than in any month on record before the second half of 2018 and half a percentage point below the economywide unemployment rate. Hiring should persist in the coming months, with contractors expecting to increase their staffing levels over the next six months, according to ABC’s Construction Confidence Index.

Construction Employment Increased by 25,000 in September - Construction Executive For five straight months, construction sector job growth holds strong and is hopeful to continue.

Looking for a path to a successful future?

provide you with in-demand skills, countless opportunities and a feeling of accomplishment.

Build America: abc.org/workforce

It’s True! A metal roofing system is the best protection you can choose for one of your best investments ever, your home! 🏡 

Metal Roofing Alliance Guiding homeowners in their search for a new roof by providing accurate information, comprehensive research and examples of quality metal roofing in action.

Congratulations to our two graduates, Patrick Chivrell and Mauricio Avila, on completing the ABC Apprenticeship Sheet Metal Program! 🧑‍🎓We are proud of your significant milestone that you have worked incredibly hard to achieve and represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, perseverance, and personal growth.

abc.org/aboutabc

Celebrate Month with ABC!

We are to highlight the inspiring opportunities in the industry that build in-demand skills leading to lucrative careers.

Learn more at abc.org/workforce.

The Last Roof You’ll Ever Need! 🏠 🌞❄️🔥🌧🌫

"Metal roofing offers value, durability and hassle-free longevity.
When configured and installed by MRA Member Contractors, a metal roof can last more than 50 years Asphalt roofing, on the other hand, needs to be replaced every 15-20 years or less depending on the quality of the material. in most cases, requires very little maintenance over the course of its lifespan. The initial cost of asphalt roofing may be lower but maintenance and replacement add up. Metal roofing is an investment that saves you money and lowers hassle over the long term. Plus, most metal roofing products are offered with true lifetime warranties of 30 to 50+ years."

Residential Metal Roofing | Consider metal for your new roof Residential metal roofing resource for homeowners and installers of metal roofing. Metal roofing photo gallery, expert forum, quality contractor search and comparative information for installation and more.

Residential Metal Roofing | Consider metal for your new roof Residential metal roofing resource for homeowners and installers of metal roofing. Metal roofing photo gallery, expert forum, quality contractor search and comparative information for installation and more.

Country Manor Shake - Classic Metal Roofing Systems Country Manor Shake provides the look of authentic hand-split wood shakes in a beautiful lifetime residential metal roofing solution.

We are Merit Shop PROUD! 👷🏼‍♂️🧰🪜🇺🇸

Looking for energy savings? When you re-roof your home, it makes sense to have a lasting impact on your home's energy usage. An aluminum shingle roof with reflective coating significantly reduces conductive and radiant heat transmission into your home. Homeowners frequently report summer energy savings of 20% and more ... and that is year after year. Let's start talking today about finding a roof for your home that will have a dramatic ongoing impact.

https://www.classicmetalroofingsystems.com/about-metal-roofing/cool-metal-roofing/

Is a metal roof for your home🏡 ? A seriously **sustainable ♻️ consideration! 

Residential Metal Roofing | Consider metal for your new roof Residential metal roofing resource for homeowners and installers of metal roofing. Metal roofing photo gallery, expert forum, quality contractor search and comparative information for installation and more.

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Residential Metal Roofing | Consider metal for your new roof Residential metal roofing resource for homeowners and installers of metal roofing. Metal roofing photo gallery, expert forum, quality contractor search and comparative information for installation and more.

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The construction industry added 25,000 jobs on net in July, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Read more: https://www.abc.org/News-Media/News-Releases/abc-nonresidential-construction-employment-increases-in-july-but-recession-looms

Advocates say trade schools offer better returns on investment to many students than four-year liberal arts colleges, with starting salaries averaging $50,000 per year for apprentice graduates.

https://trib.al/T7zzDdl

Curious about the PVDF coatings that are used on the highest quality metal roofs (including exclusively on the roofing products we manufacture)? Learn more here from our coatings supplier, and you'll agree that, if you are going to invest in a metal roof, a PVDF finish makes sense. It all starts with the finish!

https://industrial.sherwin-williams.com/na/us/en/coil-extrusion/media-center/articles/what-is-PVDF-coating.html

What a beautiful shingle roof, but yes, those shingles are actually metal! 🏠

Beautiful Roof Friday! Classic's Country Manor Shake aluminum roofing looks great on this beautiful Kentucky home. The homeowner was tired of the problems and ordinary looks of asphalt shingles as well as of the through-fastened roof she had on a portion of her home. This was a beautiful transformation that elevated her home to a new level. Product details at www.countrymanorshake.com

It’s True!!! Metal roofing is a great investment in so many directions, and lowering utility bills 💵 is certainly at the top, especially here in Southern California! ☀️ 🌡️ 🏠 

🔥☀️ Beat the summer heat with quality metal roofing! 🏠 Not only does it look great, but it also reflects sunlight, keeping your home cooler and your energy bills lower. Stay cool and save this summer with the best roofing solution!

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“Despite indications that the broader economy is slowing, the construction industry continued to add jobs at a rapid pace in June."

https://ow.ly/ZsLc50SvWoA