Allied Construction Industries and Its Members Committed to Diversifying Regional Construction Industry Workforce

Allied Construction Industries (ACI) awards 19 local college students and ten skilled trade professionals at ACI’s 92^nd Annual Meeting with monetary awards for exemplary portfolios and interviews.

Cincinnati, OHIO – ACI’s Scholarship Committee gave over $65,750 in scholarships, with 29 ACI member companies and other supporters donating award funds. All award winners are currently studying a construction-industry-specific major and attend local and regional colleges or universities. The scholarship committee received 79 applications, conducted 24 “Selection Saturday” interviews, and selected 19 award winners based on academic records, extracurricular activities, and interviews. 73.7% of this year’s cohort represent under-represented groups, including women and minorities, with $54,250 of this year’s funds going towards these students.

“Providing effective workforce solutions is a huge part of what ACI does,” said Jordan Vogel, ACI’s Executive Director. “This particular initiative supports young people pursuing a career in construction, and we are incredibly fortunate to have so many generous member companies engaged in this work with us. 74% of the scholarships and awards were won by minorities and women this year. This is a tremendous win for the construction industry as diversity strengthens our workforce and allows our member companies to grow and thrive. We are all stronger for it,” added Vogel.

ACI’s Young Professional (YP) Committee fundraised for and distributed ten $500 awards to reputable skilled tradespeople from six ACI member companies: cHc Fabricating Corp., Farrell Roofing, Jostin Construction, Inc., Messer Construction Co., Nelson Stark, and Valley Interior Systems. Company supervisors nominated the ten award winners for their admirable jobsite performances and interviews with the ACI YP Committee.

“The Skilled Trade Awards celebrate exemplary apprentices across the region as an acknowledgment of their hard work and future potential for job site leadership,” said Geoff Ryan, ACI-YP Committee Chair and Project Manager, Terrex Development & Construction.