In honor of Craft Appreciation Week August 26 through 30, 2024, McCarthy Holdings, Inc., hosted events at the firm’s job sites nationwide to recognize and thank more than 4,500 craft professionals.

“McCarthy is a true builder, and our craft professionals are the backbone of our success,” said Ray Sedey, McCarthy’s Chairman and CEO. “We believe it’s not only what we build, but how we do it. Each day, our craft professionals bring their technical skills, dedication, and passion to help ensure we deliver exceptional results for our clients. As we approach Labor Day, we’re proud to honor these men and women who are building our communities.”

McCarthy employs craft professionals performing a broad variety of trades, including carpenters, equipment operators, laborers, foremen, plumbers, pipefitters, electricians, ironworkers, and millwrights. In 2023, McCarthy performed more than 27 million labor hours and achieved a Total Project Incident Rate of 0.42.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts an average of more than 150,000 openings for construction laborers annually through 2032. The Associated General Contractors of America reported that construction employment increased in 39 states in July 2024, compared to a year earlier.

To help meet ongoing needs for craft professionals, McCarthy carries out a number of initiatives. “We are deeply committed to the safety, development, and well-being of our craft workforce, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to excel,” said Erica Gilliland, McCarthy’s Director of Talent Acquisition.

McCarthy offers year-round training opportunities that combine classroom instruction with hands-on experience, led by a team of full-time craft development professionals. These programs include more than 50 safety, skills-based, and leadership development courses. In addition, McCarthy’s registered apprenticeship program offers a pair of two-year programs and one four-year program, all requiring 144 hours of classroom learning and 2,000 on-the-job hours annually.

McCarthy’s Innovation and Craft Workforce Center, opened in March 2023 in Chandler, Arizona, serves the training needs of more than 2,000 McCarthy craft professionals and trade partners. It also supports the development of Arizona’s future construction trade workforce by partnering with local career and technical education programs, K-12, and college programs.

To support service members of the U. S. Armed Forces during their transition back into the workforce, McCarthy partners with national and regional organizations to reach veterans looking for new career opportunities.

“From classroom presentations to hands-on workshops, we are committed to introducing students of all ages to the vast opportunities within the construction industry,” Gilliland said. “Our industry’s future depends on inspiring today’s youth to consider construction as a viable and rewarding career. By engaging with students early, we can open their eyes to the possibilities that lie ahead in this dynamic field.”