Construction
Collaborating with industry stakeholders to address regional workforce needs.
Construction Is EssentialExpandingin High Demand
The demand for skilled tradespeople is rapidly increasing due to current and future building trends, both public and private. However, one-fifth of the region’s construction workforce is nearing retirement, and more than 40% of current workers are 45 years or older. With construction careers outpacing other industries in the region, and contractors searching to fill positions, collaboration is essential to address the industry’s training and workforce needs and seize the opportunity to develop a supply of locally trained workers.

Top 5 employers:
Primary Occupations
Carpenters
Jobs: 6,925
Avg. Hourly Wage $31.82
Construction Laborers
Jobs: 5,529
Avg. Hourly Wage $24.41
Electricians
Jobs: 4,594
Avg. Hourly Wage $47.24
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Jobs: 2,563
Avg. Hourly Wage $41.17
Training Pathways:
Girls Build™ offers programming for girls teaching the basics of carpentry, electrical, plumbing, roofing, painting, auto and bike mechanics, sheet metal and more via summer camps and after-school workshops for ages 8 – 15. These camps spark student interest in the Construction CTE Magnet Program, building a pipeline for high-paying trades careers by engaging students early.
The Construction CTE Magnet Program with Beaverton School District prepares students for registered apprenticeships right out of high school, fast-tracking their path to a high-paying trades career.
Registered Pre-Apprenticeship programs are designed to help people build the necessary skills to meet the minimum entry qualifications for apprenticeships. They are a vital first step for individuals wanting to enter Registered Apprenticeship.
Registered Apprenticeships are industry-driven high-quality career pathways where employers develop and prepare their future workforce. Registered Apprentices obtain paid work experience, mentorship, progressive wage increases, classroom instruction and nationally recognized credentials. Worksystems’ funding supports apprenticeship retention.
Since July 1, 2024:
The Construction Career Pathways Funder Collaborative meets monthly with Worksystems to review CCTP program outcomes and explore new investment strategies to advance goals. Additionally, we are active members of the Metropolitan Alliance for Workforce Equity (MAWE), which oversees regional efforts to ensure the inclusion of minorities and women in city-owned construction projects.