AGC Northern District Report: New County apprenticeship ordinance | A busy first week of December | 2020 annual convention

County Council passes apprenticeship ordinance
At their Nov. 19 meeting, the Whatcom County Council approved, with a 4-2 vote, a new ordinance "amending Whatcom County Code Title 3, requiring that public funds used for construction projects do double duty by also providing apprentices with job training hours to meet the requirements necessary to become the next generation of skilled trades persons." The Council action is an effort to increase the number of skilled tradespersons, especially women and minorities, and to increase the number of family-wage jobs in Whatcom County. This ordinance will be phased-in beginning in January 1, 2021. County projects of $3M or more will require 10% apprenticeship on total project hours in 2021; 12.5% apprentices on projects of $2M or more in 2022, and then the final phase, beginning in 2023, with apprenticeship at 15%. Click here for complete details.

WSDOT training in partnering, conflict resolution
WSDOT, in conjunction with AGC of Washington and RHA, LLC, is offering partnering and conflict-resolution training for WSDOT staff and contractor personnel involved in the administration of construction contracts. Sessions are now scheduled in Wenatchee (Jan. 28) and Kent (Jan. 29 and Jan. 30). The concept of partnering on construction projects has been around since the early 1990s and embraces the principles of trust and open communications; resolving issues and problems promptly and at the lowest possible level; developing solutions that are agreeable and meet the needs of everyone involved (win-win approach) and more.
Click HERE to see the event flyer. Seating is limited, so register today!

A busy first week of December in the Northern District
The Northern District has a some great events for you just after you’ve celebrated Thanksgiving!

Northern District Power Breakfast: "Woulda Coulda Shoulda"
What's your strategy when it comes tax and financial planning? Join us on December 3 from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Bellingham Golf & Country Club. Justin Brown, senior manager at Larson Gross CPAs & Consultants, will join us to discuss tax-planning strategies specific to the construction industry. This session will revisit some of the key provisions from last year’s tax reform, look ahead to tax-planning opportunities for 2019 and discuss long-term financial planning for you and your business. Specific topics addressed will include an update on the Qualified Business Income Deduction provision, cash-management preparation, potential upcoming tax risks and ownership succession planning and gifting strategies. Join us to learn about short-and-long-term planning opportunities unique to the construction industry. Register here.

Northern District Safety Forum and Holiday Luncheon
December 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Skagit Valley Golf & Country Club. Join us for the last Safety Forum of the year, featuring our Holiday Luncheon. Another great opportunity for networking and getting the latest safety-related updates -- and sharing a little holiday cheer too. Free to AGC members. Register here

Northern District Holiday Reception
December 5 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Bellingham Golf & Country Club. Join us for this festive annual event as we kick-off the holiday season, celebrate a great 2019, look to the future and connect with other great members and local public officials as well. Complementary merriment and cheer for all... Register here.

New pathway to construction, electrical, labor trades
The Regional Apprenticeship Pathways (RAP) program kicked off this year and students are learning skills that can help them graduate and focus on their careers. The RAP Center is located on the Marysville Pilchuck High School campus. The program is a partnership between Marysville School District, Arlington Public Schools, Everett Community College and other regional and state partners, and was developed to close the gap in skilled-trade employees, funded through a $1.5 million startup grant from Career Connect Washington. Students who complete the program will receive college credit through Everett Community College. Read more.

Autodesk creates a grant scheme to supply contractors
with fall-protection harnesses sized for women
The initiative, in conjunction with Associated General Contractors of America, aims to remove barriers to women wanting to work in construction. Around 80% of construction firms in the USA report difficulty filling craft positions. Women represent just 10% of the overall construction labor force in the country, with even lower representation in trades. According to software firm Autodesk, "Ill-fitting PPE can range from uncomfortable to downright dangerous. For example, a fall-protection harness that’s too loose may still catch a woman when the scaffolding beneath her collapses, but it could seriously injure her neck or shoulder in the process"… Read more

Construction workers most likely to use cocaine, misuse opioids
As more state and local governments legalize marijuana for various uses, employers must find a way to balance a desire to broaden talent pools with the need to maintain a safe workplace. For those in the construction industry, that calculation may lean toward the latter. The National Safety Council recently took the position that no amount of marijuana is appropriate for employees who work in safety-sensitive positions… Read more.