Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, shared insights on the region’s construction boom, infrastructure investments and workforce development efforts during his monthly appearance on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast.
Hager began the interview by discussing the economic impact of Intel’s facility with AWF host Ed “Flash” Ferenc.
Dorsey Hager, Secretaria Ejecutiva-Tesorera de C/COBCTC
Central Ohio’s construction industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with $30 billion worth of projects within a five-mile radius of Intel’s proposed chip manufacturing facility. Hager detailed some of the developments, including Meta’s datacenter expansions, Amazon’s $10 billion campus and other tech-related projects.
Despite some slowdowns at Intel, Hager emphasized the project’s overall positive impact, noting that 1,200 workers are currently employed at the site, earning good wages and benefits. He stressed the importance of maintaining perspective on the project’s long-term benefits for the region.
“There are roughly 1,200 people on site right now making great wages and benefits and providing for their families,” Hager said. “We’re about 35 percent of the way through. There’s a lot of work to do out there, but there’s a lot of work that’s been done.”
Infrastructure investments
Columbus recently approved a $2.5 billion capital budget, which Hager praised as crucial for addressing city infrastructure needs amid rapid growth.
The budget allocates funds for roads, bridges, police substations, community centers and fire stations.
Hager highlighted the planned $300 million municipal courthouse project, which will include a Community Benefit Agreement to ensure local hiring and diversity in the workforce.
El presentador de radio de la Fuerza Laboral de Estados Unidos, Ed “Flash” Ferenc
Recognizing the need for a larger skilled workforce to meet growing demand, Hager discussed outreach efforts to attract new talent to the trades.
He highlighted recent events, including tours of training facilities and activities during the Ohio State Fair, where various trades showcased hands-on activities to engage younger people.
Hager emphasized the importance of exposing students and parents to career opportunities in the trades, noting the benefits of apprenticeship programs as a fast track to middle-class wages and benefits.
“We’re constantly revamping, retooling and messaging not only to reach out to people that are underemployed, but also to reach out to folks that are in high school that are thinking about careers in the trades and also doing stuff with middle schoolers to get them interested in the trades,” Hager said.
Escucha el episodio completo aquí.
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