Building a pipeline of skilled new workers Portland is growing, and with that growth comes an increase in the volume of new development and construction—in both public and private sectors. But the current construction labor force is getting older, leading to a projected shortage of skilled labor in the future. Coupled with more and increasingly complex construction jobs, a lack of skilled, ready and available construction talent means future public and private development projects may take longer and cost more to build. CAWS is working in partnership with other public and private organizations to build and sustain a regional system to increase the supply of trained construction workers that can meet this need.

Creating a diverse workforce Contractors and developers—public or private—want their projects to reflect the diversity of the community in which they live. As members of CAWS, project owners and construction companies set common goals to increase participation by persons of color and women on both private and public projects. CAWS assists these companies by helping them find job-ready workers and supporting job-training programs.

Better training, stronger workforce Included in the CAWS membership are a number of pre-apprenticeship training programs that reach out, recruit and train prospective construction industry workers. CAWS works with these organizations to standardize trainings and enhance skill requirements to improve the quality of employees needed by future employers. CAWS members provide mentors for newly-trained apprentices just entering the construction industry. By increasing opportunities for training to meet raised standards and mentoring by experienced leaders, CAWS and its members enhance the value of a new generation of skilled labor. >>Next