Chuck Gremillion
Executive Director

Without a doubt, the current health and economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is both tragic and devastating for the USA and the world.  Just a few months ago, America was experiencing record-low unemployment rates not seen in 50 years, which translated to huge demand for construction services, especially in Texas.  How quickly and tragically things have changed.
 
While the construction industry has been deemed essential and has continued to work, businesses in the hospitality, restaurant and travel industries have been clobbered resulting in large scale layoffs not seen since the Great Depression.  These workers need employment now, and the result of the pandemic may trigger a shift in the workforce, a “new normal”. 
 
This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for construction companies as people who have lost their jobs in other industries consider new careers.  These unemployed workers will be looking for stable careers in growth industries, with companies that know how to attract, screen, onboard, develop and manage talent. This represents an opportunity to access a pool of talented people never seen before. Construction is definitely a growth industry, but is your company prepared for this windfall of mature, talented and hungry workers? 
 
While the solution requires a long-term commitment to strong talent management practices, C3 is capable of helping your company develop the practices that will enable it to attract and develop high quality candidates, the people that will take it to the next level.  C3’s consulting services are free of charge for C3 Accredited Employers. While the COVID-19 pandemic is requiring C3 personnel to office from home, our People Development Professionals are continuing to consult with Accredited Employers via Zoom video calls, and we have helped many companies, both Contractors and Specialty Contractors, develop job descriptions, evaluation programs and craft training tied to a career path.
 
If you are ready to launch your company forward toward the “new normal”, please contact C3 Associate Director, Angela Robbins, via email at angela@c3.org, or by phone at 713.999.1032.
 
Be safe!  Stay healthy!

Chuck Gremillion
Executive Director
  
During these trying times created by the COVID-19 virus, it struck me just how important the construction industry is, and specifically the craft workers that build our structures.  It is not a coincidence that those that make up the construction industry are considered essential along with first responders, healthcare workers and grocery store employees, among others.  The people that fill these critical positions are the foundation of our society.  If you aren’t sure of that, just imagine the chaos that would reign without them.  
 
Too often, the construction craft worker is taken for granted by those that use, occupy and benefit from the buildings and structures they construct.  Imagine a society without the construction craft worker. Imagine a society without highways, office buildings, hospitals, chemical plants, schools, churches, arenas and shopping centers.  Without the craft professional, complex structures such as these would not exist.
 
Take a bow Mr./Ms. electrician, plumber, welder, millwright, rebar rodbuster, concrete finisher, carpenter, sheet rocker, roofer, painter, landscaper, tile setter, acoustical ceiling installer, fire proofer, glazer, HVAC technician, sheet metal craftsperson, steel erector, cabinetmaker, heavy equipment operator and many more.  You are the rocks of our society.  You are the professionals that build America!    We are proud to call you our neighbor!  You are essential!  THANK YOU!!