The Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council hosted an event on June 22 to discuss the 21st century workforce for its affiliated union trades.

About 50 building trades leaders from across the state gathered at the IBEW Local 683 Union Hall to attend the conference and learn about the recruitment and retention of members.

Among those in attendance were leaders of regional building trades council, business managers and representees, organizers and JATC training coordinators. Attendees not only listened to speakers, but also had a chance to participate and ask questions.

The keynote speaker was Russ Ormiston, Associate Professor at Allegheny College, who discussed how demographics and labor statistics relate to successful member recruitment in today’s tight labor market.

For OSBCTC Secretary-Treasurer and event moderator Mike Knisley, Ormiston’s presentation painted a daunting picture of the market based on the number of journeymen who are expected to retire. However, he believes the insight provided can help Locals successfully use demographics and labor statistics to their advantage.

ACT Ohio Chief Legal Counsel Rob Dorans, Esq., a member of the IBEW and a Columbus Councilman, addressed how to reduce apprenticeship recruitment barriers.

The event also featured an apprenticeship readiness roundtable discussion on building trades recruitment initiatives, which focused on diversity, equity and inclusion. Panelist included Kelly Harrop from the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, Dawn Christianson from the Northwest Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council and Keith Laschinger from Cleveland Builds.

The panel discussed their programs, how they operate and the success and challenges they
have faced.

Leland Bass, Director of Apprenticeship Services for the Columbus Urban League, explained to attendees what it is like to be a minority coming into the trades. He also discussed the importance of wrap-around services to help remove employment barriers such as transportation challenges and lack of affordable childcare.

ACT Ohio Communications and Marketing Director Kitty French presented on recruitment and digital organizing tools. She discussed the checklist Locals should use when conducting digital campaigns.

Knisley was pleased with the event, especially how attendees actively participated throughout the day.

“We want our Locals and JATCs to evolve, be more open minded, conduct self-assessments and remove barriers that prevent young people from applying,” he said.

Since Knisley was appointed OSBCTC Secretary-Treasurer, the OSBCTC has hosted an annual educational conference that has touched on a variety of different topics. The timing was right to discuss recruitment this year, he said.

“I’ve been watching this issue for a number of years. The pandemic brought it to the forefront,” he said, adding that project owners, including Intel, are now asking for many of the changes discussed at the conference.