Two women leading the charge in promoting workforce development initiatives will be featured as speakers at the April 24-26 convention of the Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) in Charlotte/Concord.
Peggy Smedley is the editorial director for Constructech Magazine and recently received the Excellence in Journalism Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Convention registration information is at this link
Smedley promotes the use of technology to improve productivity in the construction industry, and is passionate about addressing the infrastructure crisis. Her presentation to SEAA convention attendees will speak to labor opportunities in the construction industry, how contractors can entice Gen Z workers, and technology that can reduce the worker shortage, SEAA says in a statement.
TV personality Kayleen McCabe will headline the convention. She is the winner of DIY Network’s Stud Finder competition and longtime host of TV’s Rescue Renovation. Her work focuses on tightening the skills gap, encouraging women to enter a male-dominated field, and showing alternative paths to the traditional college route. She will share her story and discuss the need to restore dignity to crafts as a profession.
Summary of education sessions
Employee Rescue Teams — Beyond 9-1-1. Brent Wise, co-owner and COO of Tech Safety Lines Inc., is a veteran of the Dallas Fire and Rescue Department. He will discuss employee-based rescue teams, creating a safety plan in emergency situations and how ERT training can create a quality rescue program.
Rigging Refresher. Kevin Benner, rigging trainer and field sales representative of the Indusco division of Mazzella Lifting, will address often overlooked rigging problems.
Selecting the Right Boom Lift for the Job. Craig Edwards, vice-president of national accounts of JLG Industries Inc., will speak about using aerial work platforms for steel erection and welding at height. He will share tips for maximizing productivity and safety, identifying the right people and equipment for the job, and understanding how new ANSI standards changes affect the jobsite and selection of equipment.
Developing your Talent Pipeline. Gregg Schoppman, a principal with FMI Corp., specializes in best practices for productivity and project management, and was recognized as one of the Top 25 Consultants in 2014 by Consulting magazine. He will help attendees explore recruiting strategies, what to look for during the recruiting process, and how to discover common mistakes contributing to poor employee retention.
Reskilling the Workforce of the Future. Peggy Smedley is an award-winning journalist, having just won the ASCE Excellence in Journalism Award for her achievements in enhancing the public’s understanding of the impact of civil engineering. She will speak to labor opportunities the construction industry is missing, how contractors can entice Gen Z workers, and technology that reduces the worker shortage.
Projects of the Year. Panel discussion and presentation of award-winning structural steel construction projects in four contract classes enlightens members as to some of the most creative, efficient, and dramatic work being done today.
What’s AISC been up to? Todd Alwood, director of certification of the American Institute of Steel Construction, will update attendees on programs, resources and market activities. From SpeedCore to tariffs to Student Steel Bridge Competition, and the latest AISC publications.