As construction continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, a skilled and knowledgeable workforce is paramount to industry success.
It’s not news to anyone that there has been a skilled labor shortage for some time. The long-standing and robust Construction and Maintenance Education Foundation (CMEF) has been a significant player in hitting that issue head on for over 37 years. CMEF uses a community-based approach. However, this approach is only effective if the construction community — such as owners and contractors — gets involved.
What is CMEF?
CMEF is a leading organization dedicated to workforce training and development. Its mission is to provide cost-effective training, skills assessments and workforce programs to enhance the quality and availability of construction professionals in the Greater Houston area. CMEF also promotes career opportunities, improves the industry’s image and addresses the training needs of owners, contractors and employees. As the educational affiliate of ABC of Greater Houston, CMEF works closely with ABC to align training programs with industry needs and workforce development goals.
CMEF utilizes a funding program called the Training Contributor Agreement (TCA). This program plays a crucial role in fostering this development by bridging the gap between industry partners and workforce education. Established through a partnership with the CMEF and supported by ABC of Greater Houston, the TCA ensures that workers receive the necessary training to excel, benefiting the entire industry.
Understanding the TCA
At its core, the TCA is a commitment by industry partners to support workforce education. Companies participating as CMEF Training Contributors pledge to contribute a minimum of $0.06 per jobsite work hour toward community-based craft training and workforce development programs. These funds are essential for maintaining and expanding the availability of high-quality training opportunities, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to safety, skill enhancement and knowledge expansion.
Allocation of Training Contributor funds
Funds collected through the TCA are strategically used to provide deeply discounted training opportunities for craft professionals. These benefits include:
- Substantial training discounts: Training Contributors and their employees can experience 70-85% savings on semesterbased training programs
- Expanded training availability: Increased access to comprehensive training resources and courses
- Customized training solutions: Tailored training initiatives to meet the specific needs of partners
- Workforce development initiatives: Support for the CMEF High School Outreach Program, fostering early industry engagement and career path exploration
By investing in these initiatives, Training Contributors help build a stable and skilled workforce pipeline that is essential for industry growth and sustainability.
Eligibility for Training Contributor programs
Employees of companies that participate in the TCA gain eligibility for discounted training programs. Each participating organization designates an authorized representative responsible for approving employees’ enrollment in CMEF training offerings. Additionally, employees affected by a reduction in force remain eligible for training discounts, provided they have authorization from their company’s representative. This ensures continued skill development and employability for displaced workers.
Why participate in the TCA?
For companies within the construction and maintenance sector, participating in the TCA is more than just an investment in training — it’s an investment in the future of the industry. By contributing to education in the workforce, organizations can:
- Ensure a safer and more skilled workforce
- Gain access to cost-effective and high-quality training programs
- Strengthen their reputation as industry leaders committed to workforce development
- Contribute to the long-term sustainability of the construction and maintenance sectors
For more information, visit abchouston.org, email Carlos Pulido at c.pulido@cmefhouston.org or call (281) 478-3900.
