February 5-6, 2009Arlington, VAThe STP Instructor Training Workshop is a two-day event that provides the skills essential to effectively instruct STP courses – specifically how to teach adult learners, encourage interaction among STP participants and use the STP manuals to prepare for and deliver a class. Each workshop participant will have an opportunity to give a presentation and test newly-learned skills and receive constructive feedback. Who Should Attend?Individuals who:Want to learn specific techniques used to facilitate and present successful STP courses.Administer STP currently and want to attract more instructors.Want to learn about this highly successful educational program for the construction industry.Want to start STP in their area.Have just been (or want to be!) selected to facilitate STP.Registration deadline is January 22, 2009. For more information and to register please click here.For more information on the STP Instructor Training Workshops, contact Stephanie Mullins at mullinss@agc.org or (703) 837-5387, or visit www.agc.org/STP.

  When Equipment World magazine wanted to run a special report on the construction industry’s successful efforts to attract new workers, it turned to several programs sponsored by AGC members and chapters. The 20-page report does note that the construction industry has reported a decline in the number of workers over the past year, but also notes that the energy sector is still booming and the average worker isn’t getting any younger.

Coming in February 2009 AGC of America will release a full day introductory curriculum on the industry’s hottest topic, Building Information Modeling (BIM).

The new AGC Project Manager Development Program (PMDP) consists of five 16-hour courses covering the essential skills for early-career project managers and those looking to make the move into project management. PMDP, released in October 2008, is offered nationwide through select AGC chapters, individual construction firms and educational institutions.The Constructors Association of Western Pennsylvania and the Master Builders Association of Western Pennsylvania have partnered with AGC of America to offer all five modules of the PMDP in early 2009.The material presented in the five modules of the curriculum, along with the activities and the shared experiences of participants in the course, will help participants learn the essential skills required of all project managers.The five essential skills covered in the PMDP are:Module 1: Estimating and Job Costing— January 15-16Module 2: Contract Administration— February 5-6Module 3: Project Administration— March 18-19Module 4: Risk Management— April 9-10Module 5: Leadership— April 30-May 1The AGC PMDP is intended to provide:        • A uniform body of knowledge for member organizations to increase the professionalism of            construction project management        • A mechanism to build institutional stability within a company regarding the fundamentals of           project management        • Cost-effective and accessible training for construction project managers        • Professional development opportunities to enhance existing training offeringsRegistration is now open for this exciting series of programs.Interested in PMDP? Please contact Stephanie Mullins at 703-837-5387 or mullinss@agc.org for additional information or visit www.agc.org/PMDP.

AGC is happy to announce that registration is now open for the next Supervisory Training Program (STP) Instructor Training Workshop; to be held February 5-6, 2009 in Arlington, Virginia.Designed to enhance training results for those who host STP courses, the STP Instructor Training Workshop is a two-day event that provides the skills essential to effectively instruct STP courses—specifically how to teach adult learners, encourage interaction among STP participants and use the STP manuals to prepare for and deliver courses.Also, participants will learn how to incorporate visual aids into the curriculum and get the most out of the instructor materials. Each workshop participant will have an opportunity to give a presentation and test newly learned skills and receive constructive feedback.Don’t miss this unique opportunity to improve your STP results! Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis—only 25 seats available! Registration deadline is January 22, 2009. Learn more and register today.If you have questions about the STP or the Instructor Training Workshop, contact Stephanie Mullins at mullinss@agc.org or (703) 837-5387, or visit www.agc.org/STP.

The Houston Chapter AGC presented E.L. Furr High School’s Academy of Construction, Art, Science and Technology (CAST) with a special award at its APEX 8 Awards Gala recently. The CAST Construction Career Academy received the APEX Award for Project Excellence for the Fuente Bonita (Beautiful Fountain).

AGC of America is pleased to announce that AGC of Alaska was part of a coalition that received a 2008 Construction Users Roundtable Workforce Development Award at the CURT national convention, held recently in Palm Springs, California.

On October 29, 2008, The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued its final rule revising the federal regulations (29 CFR part 29) that implement the National Apprenticeship Act. The first overhaul of the regulations in 30 years substantially changes both how an apprentice can become a journeyworker and how the system is managed.

Applications for the 1st Education and Training Awards are now being accepted online.The new program will recognize the most innovative and collaborative training and development programs sponsored by AGC Chapters and contractor members during the 2008 and 2009 calendar years.An AGC Chapter and contractor member firm will be awarded in each of three categories: Craft, Supervisory, and Project & Executive Management. One award will be given to the outstanding Instructor of the Year. A Grand Award will be presented to a firm or Chapter that demonstrates learning and performance as a top concern, reaching the highest level of excellence for construction training and development programs at all levels of the organization.EEAs are open to all AGC general and specialty contractor members in good standing, AGC Chapters and individuals employed by these organizations. Non-members may not apply.  Electronic submissions and all supporting material must be received by AGC by 5 p.m. EST on May 1, 2009. For more information, visit here .Applicants will be judged on the type of program and the major elements of the program, including targeted job  functions; enrolled individuals; history of the program; tools, programs and materials used; and demonstrated improved performance, productivity, and success.The first awards will be presented at the 3rd Annual Training & Development Conference, to be held Oct. 27-29 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Applicants for AGC’s Construction Project Manager Course can now register online to attend one of the four courses in 2009. This course has the ability to build your project management skills, earn education credits and stay competitive in 2009.