Strive for more than work-life balance

A construction career can be deeply rewarding, not an experience to be dreaded, writes consultant Chad Prinkey.

By Chad Prinkey • June 12, 2025

Why construction needs to lean into better mentorships

Teaching early-career professionals should go beyond technical know-how to give future leaders critical thinking and problem-solving skills, writes a senior project manager.

By Nelson Frech • June 6, 2025

Planning for Pride? Attorneys offer tips to navigate a ‘thornier’ year

Cultural observances may not necessarily be a target for federal enforcement actions, but some experts still urge caution.

By Kate Tornone • June 5, 2025

Job openings stagnate as labor churn flattens

Hires, layoffs and quits were historically low in April, while employers held onto valuable skilled labor amid economic uncertainty.

By Zachary Phillips • June 4, 2025

ICE raids on building sites stoke fear, uncertainty

Law enforcement officers arrested construction workers in San Antonio, New Orleans and Tallahassee, Florida, last week.

By Zachary Phillips • June 4, 2025

42% of Gen Z workers say they’re turning to blue-collar roles for security

Regardless of education level, workers said they’re choosing blue-collar work for better long-term prospects, higher pay and a lower risk of being replaced by AI.

By Carolyn Crist • May 29, 2025

Why veterans make good construction leaders

Former and current military members are well-suited for superintendent and safety manager roles, according to a recent webinar hosted by Skanska and the Society of American Military Engineers.

By Sebastian Obando • May 27, 2025

Take breaks, buddy up: Tips for beating the heat

Ventilated hard hats, “heat buddies” and electrolyte drinks are just a few of the ways that Curran Young Construction helps keep workers cool.

By Jennifer Goodman • May 22, 2025

Defense Department must resume use of PLAs, judge says

A U.S. District Court ruling ordered the agency to return to using project labor agreements on major construction projects to align with a Biden-era executive order.

By Zachary Phillips • May 22, 2025

Foreign job seeker interest in US jobs has plummeted, Indeed says

“This drop could have real economic consequences, especially for sectors like healthcare and construction that depend heavily on immigrant labor,” according to the report.

By Carolyn Crist • May 15, 2025

New York contractors boost pay, benefits to fight labor shortages

A report that surveyed more than 200 contractors in New York also highlighted workforce development programs, flexible work options and mental health resources.

By Sebastian Obando • May 15, 2025

How new construction execs can set themselves up to succeed

Emerging leaders must be flexible in the face of change while also speaking up for what they need, writes consultant Matt Verderamo.

By Matt Verderamo • May 14, 2025

Ready to stand down? Construction Safety Week kicks off.

This year’s initiative will focus on fall prevention among other efforts to keep workers safe and healthy.

By Jennifer Goodman • May 5, 2025

DOL orders staff not to enforce Biden-era independent contractor rule

The Labor Department is still considering whether to rescind the rule, which faces ongoing litigation, it said Thursday.

By Ryan Golden • May 5, 2025

Construction hiring slows to lowest rate ever recorded

New job numbers point to a decreased demand for labor across the industry, according to Associated Builders and Contractors’ analysis.

By Jennifer Goodman • May 1, 2025

‘I can’t find any help’: Employers scramble to solve worker shortages caused by immigration crackdowns

President Donald Trump recently said the government would seek to let some undocumented persons return to the country “if they’re good,” but he was scant on details.

By Ryan Golden • May 1, 2025

DOT will cut funds to transportation projects with DEI: Duffy

The U.S. transportation secretary also told funding recipients that they need to cooperate with immigration officers or potentially face civil or criminal prosecution.

By Julie Strupp • April 29, 2025

HACIA’s 2024 Impact Report: How one organization is building a more inclusive construction industry

How HACIA is helping diverse business owners grow and win in Illinois’ construction industry.

April 28, 2025

Trades skills course provides second chances

GAF Roofing Academy’s free weeklong training seeks to get students, some of whom have been charged with a crime or served prison sentences, job-ready.

By Zachary Phillips • April 24, 2025

Trump orders federal procurement overhaul

The effort is set to bring about the biggest change to how the government buys products and services since the 1990s.

By Julie Strupp • April 22, 2025

PLA use didn’t increase project costs, Illinois study finds

Project labor agreements increased bidding competition on awards within the state, according to research from the Illinois Economic Policy Institute.

By Keith Loria • April 17, 2025

Why do we set up new hires to fail?

The construction industry must move away from "sink-or-swim" training and instead provide early career workers with the coaching they need, writes consultant Fulton Cure.

By Fulton Cure • April 15, 2025

Union calls for return of ‘unlawfully’ deported tradesworker

SMART characterized the U.S. government’s removal of first-year apprentice Kilmar Abrego Garcia as "unconscionable." Monday, El Salvador’s president said he wouldn’t coordinate his return.

By Zachary Phillips • April 15, 2025

Trump’s immigration enforcement against employers has been gradual. That may soon change.

Worksite visits and arrests at smaller worksites are already happening. Operations against bigger employers, coupled with the threat of penalties, are likely fast approaching.

By Ryan Golden • April 10, 2025

Trades group sues federal government over PLA exemption

NABTU argues that a Biden-era executive order mandating project labor agreements is still in effect, despite the Trump administration’s moves to curb their use.

By Zachary Phillips • April 10, 2025