construction site
Workers pour cement at a construction site for an office tower in downtown San Diego. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo

An industry group and a nonprofit on Thursday announced a partnership to help address an ongoing worker shortage in the construction industry.

The Building Industry Association of San Diego now provides contractors and job seekers access to the WorkforceConnect jobs board platform, officials said in a news release.

“This free online service sets itself apart from costly alternatives through its innovative approach, leveraging existing partnerships and extensive outreach initiatives across Southern California,” according to organization leaders.

They added that because attracting and retaining a skilled workforce is crucial in the construction industry, the WorkforceConnect platform “aims to facilitate seamless connections, ensuring (that) projects thrive and talent flourishes.”

WorkforceConnect founder Debbie Barnum said her organization’s link with BIA “is a prime example of the local community stepping up, providing job-seekers the knowledge of and access to great paying careers in our communities.”

The partnership opens the doors “to a future where the construction industry stands out as a beacon of opportunity,” said Lori Holt Pfeiler, the BIA’s president and CEO.

“With thousands of jobs currently unfilled, our collaboration is crucial. It connects our members with students and job seekers eager to carve out their own paths and contribute to building our communities,” she said.

– City News Service