The department, the Construction Industry Roundtable, the National Association of Home Builders and the seven construction unions that form the National Heavy & Highway Alliance are all involved in the new initiative, called Skills to Build Americas Future. It will target high school guidance counselors, students and parents.
The executive branch of government has not been a visible partner in advocating construction careers, says Emily Stover DeRocco, the Labor Dept.s assistant secretary for employment and training. "We are finally stepping up to the plate."