The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Associated General Contractors of Washington (AGC) have reached an agreement that promises to improve the construction industry in the state. This agreement was made in response to the growing concern about the lack of diversity in the construction industry, particularly in hiring practices.
The new agreement seeks to increase participation by women, people of color, and disadvantaged businesses in WSDOT projects. It also aims to provide more on-the-job training opportunities for workers in the construction industry, particularly those from underrepresented groups.
WSDOT and AGC plan to achieve these goals through a number of initiatives. These include the creation of a joint Diversity and Inclusion Council, which will identify and address issues related to diversity and inclusion in the construction industry. They also plan to establish a joint working group to improve communication and collaboration between WSDOT and AGC, and to provide more opportunities for networking and sharing best practices.
The agreement also includes commitments to provide more apprenticeship opportunities for underrepresented groups, to increase the use of apprenticeships on WSDOT projects, and to track and report progress on diversity and inclusion goals to ensure accountability.
The WSDOT-AGC agreement is a positive step towards addressing the lack of diversity in the construction industry. By increasing participation by underrepresented groups, the industry can tap into a broader talent pool, while also creating more opportunities for workers from diverse backgrounds. This can lead to a more vibrant and inclusive construction industry, which benefits everyone involved.