By: Allie Shane, Communications Specialist
Milwaukee boasts many notable landmarks. Fiserv Forum, American Family Field, Milwaukee Tool and Potawatomi Casino Hotel only scratch the surface of the city’s unique landscape. While it’s apparent that this infrastructure would not exist without the hands that built it, many people do not consider that much of this important work is thanks to union contractors and tradespeople.
Building Advantage is a labor-management association for the commercial union construction industry. Launched in 2002, the association markets and promotes the benefits of hiring union contractors and tradespeople, increasing union construction market share in southeastern Wisconsin.
Union tradespeople receive quality training, competitive wages and benefits as well as access to retirement benefits. Those who work with union contractors and union members receive quality craftsmanship that is completed on time and within budget.
“We have the workforce to be able to get the job done – any type of project, big or small,” said the association’s executive director, Chris Mambu Rasch.
Wisconsin’s skilled union construction workforce is due in large part to the industry’s investment in apprenticeships. Statewide, apprenticeship funding has reached a remarkable $65 million. Apprentices follow an “earn while you learn” model, receiving compensation for their time on the job and during their classes at a joint apprenticeship training center (JATC).
“We spend a significant amount of money and resources to ensure we’re getting a diverse, qualified workforce to enter the trades as the work grows in our industry and as people retire,” said Rasch.
To build awareness and generate interest in the union construction industry, Building Advantage attends and hosts career fairs. In fact, the association hosts the largest industry-based career fair for high school students in the state. The event is an opportunity for students to learn more about different trades through networking with union contractors and participating in hands-on activities.
Rasch emphasized that starting a role in union construction should not only be considered by high school students but also by qualified adults looking to make a career change.
“Folks are seeing a job in construction as not just a plan B but a potential plan A and a real career where you can make a good living,” he said.
A career in the trades is only going to become more beneficial with the emergence of several trends.
The industry is witnessing a revolution in how energy is collected, stored and transmitted. In response, certain trades are seeing a record amount of work. For instance, electrician unions are expecting 11% employment growth each year over the next decade.
Mega projects across the region also positively impact union construction. Rasch pointed to developments like Microsoft’s campus in Mount Pleasant and the hundreds of union members it takes to complete each phase of construction.
“You want [these projects] done efficiently and safely, and our folks are in the best position to do that and are entrusted to do that by those firms. We are getting all that work and it’s not by accident,” said Rasch.
Want to learn more about Building Advantage? Visit their website here.
