tfwciw2021

Construction Inclusion Week hits record sponsorship numbers

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 16:39:57 GMT

Construction Inclusion Week hits record sponsorship numbers

Despite what it called a “politically charged atmosphere” around DEI, the industry-led initiative said it has attracted its most partnerships ever.

Dive Brief:

Construction Inclusion Week, the industry’s grassroots initiative to promote diversity within its ranks, has achieved a record number of sponsors for 2025 despite a politically charged environment where DEI efforts have come under fire, according to a news release emailed to Construction Dive.

The organization said it reached a new milestone with 132 sponsors representing contractors, trade partners and industry associations for its fifth annual running, which kicks off on Oct. 13. Organizers say that’s a 21% increase from last year, with 23 sponsors choosing its higher “Visionary” level, surpassing its original goal of 10 backers for that tier.

“Construction Inclusion Week began with a simple but powerful vision — to make our industry a place where everyone feels they belong and are treated with respect and dignity,” said Abrar Sheriff, 2025 CIW chair and president of Turner Construction, in the release. “That vision continues to gain momentum.”

Dive Insights:

The initiative’s fifth iteration comes at a time when President Donald Trump’s administration has targeted programs that foster diversity and inclusion both in federal contracting and in the private sector. Earlier this month, the administration issued a new rule for the Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program banning gender or ethnicity as a grounds for certification, essentially gutting its original intent .

The CIW initiative began in 2021 in the wake of social upheaval after George Floyd’s murder when a spate of nooses appeared on jobsites across North America. Sheriff said this year’s event will continue to welcome all who want to work in the industry.

“By opening doors and creating inclusive pathways for people to grow and build meaningful careers, we are expanding opportunity and shaping an industry where all people can thrive,” Sheriff said.

CIW 2025 will feature:

Toolbox talks in English and Spanish.
An on-demand webinar for expanding workforce opportunities.
A workforce outreach toolkit .
Actionable strategies for supporting professional growth.
A mental health resources guide and a workforce development directory for both employers and jobseekers.

Read the Original Article Here:
https://www.constructiondive.com/news/construction-inclusion-week-2025-record-sponsorship/802544/

Construction Inclusion Week Celebrates Five Years of Impact

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 16:10:49 GMT

Construction Inclusion Week Celebrates
Five Years of Impact

NATIONWIDE, NY, UNITED STATES, October 9, 2025 / EINPresswire.com / -- October 8, 2025: Construction Inclusion Wee k (CIW) will kick off its fifth annual observance on Monday, October 13, 2025, with a theme centered on "Opening Doors Through Workforce Development." The 2025 program focuses on expanding awareness of construction career pathways, strengthening recruitment efforts, and creating welcoming environments that help companies attract and retain talent.

CIW has reached a new milestone with 132 committed sponsors representing contractors, trade partners, and industry associations nationwide. This record participation signals strong industry alignment around workforce priorities. Despite a charged political climate, companies across the country are investing time and resources because the need is urgent and the mission to open doors for skilled careers matters more than ever.

"Construction Inclusion Week began with a simple but powerful vision — to make our industry a place where everyone feels they belong and are treated with respect and dignity," said Abrar Sheriff, 2025 Chair of Construction Inclusion Week and President of Turner Construction Company.

“That vision continues to gain momentum. By opening doors and creating inclusive pathways for people to grow and build meaningful careers, we are expanding opportunity and shaping an industry where all people can thrive."

"Construction Inclusion Week began with a simple but powerful vision — to make our industry a place where everyone feels they belong and are treated with respect and dignity,"

— Abrar Sheriff, 2025 Chair of Construction Inclusion Week
and President of Turner Construction Company

New and Expanded Resources for 2025

The 2025 Construction Inclusion Week curriculum is the most comprehensive to date, offering practical tools and inspiration for companies of all sizes to deploy and deliver in a flexible format. This year's resources include:

13 Toolbox Talks: Designed for use on jobsites or in team huddles to promote workforce readiness, communication, safety, and a culture of respect.

On-Demand Webinar: "Opening Doors: Expanding Workforce Opportunities in Construction": A 40-minute discussion featuring voices from across the construction ecosystem, including general contractors, trade partners, unions, and community workforce leaders, sharing real-world insights on expanding career access, removing barriers, and fostering partnerships that help close the skills gap.

Workforce Outreach Toolkit: A plug-and-play collection of materials that help companies "open doors" to construction careers. Resources are tailored for speaking with students, engaging community groups, and partnering with educational institutions to strengthen local and regional talent pipelines.

Creative Ideas Guide: A curated set of actionable strategies aligned with the 2025 theme, offering innovative ways to enhance skill development, expand career pathways, and support professional growth within every level of an organization.

Mental Health Resources Guide: A comprehensive online resource to help workers and companies strengthen emotional well-being, promote open dialogue, and cultivate supportive workplaces that empower people to perform their best both on and off the job.

Workforce Development Directory (New for 2025): A first-of-its-kind national repository designed to connect students, job seekers, and construction firms that will function as an evergreen dynamic resource.
For job seekers: Discover apprenticeships, internships, and training programs that match your interests and location. Connect with firms actively investing in new talent and launching the next generation of builders.
For companies: Showcase workforce programs, connect with motivated candidates, and demonstrate leadership in workforce development. Participating firms can promote their initiatives, expand outreach, and strengthen their future talent pipeline.

Anchored in the Five Foundational Pillars

All 2025 programming and resources are rooted in CIW's five foundational pillars, which guide the initiative's mission and shape the future of the construction workforce:

Commitment and Accountability: Empowering firms to take measurable action toward sustainable workforce strategies.
Attract and Retain: Opening doors to career awareness, entry, and long-term development.
Economic Opportunity: Strengthening local economies by expanding opportunities and growing a broad, competitive supplier and subcontractor base through capacity building.
Belonging and Workplace Culture: Building welcoming environments where individuals can grow, contribute, and thrive.
Community Engagement: Connecting companies with schools, workforce programs, and local organizations to ensure inclusive access to opportunity.

The new Workforce Development Directory, Workforce Outreach Toolkit, Creative Ideas Guide, and Toolbox Talks each map to these pillars, helping companies turn intent into implementation and measurable results.

Enduring Mission in a Changing Landscape

In an era when workforce development is a top industry challenge, CIW offers a unifying platform for practical action. The continued growth in sponsorship and participation underscores that this mission resonates across the construction sector, regardless of external debate.

About Construction Inclusion Week

Founded in 2021, Construction Inclusion Week is a 501(c)(6) coalition dedicated to advancing workforce development and strengthening culture across the construction industry. Now in its fifth year, CIW provides firms with practical resources, annual programming, and year-round support to improve retention, safety, and opportunity for the industry's workforce.

Asheya Warren
PRAXIS
+1 972-755-5330
email us here
Visit us on social media:
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Read the Original Press Release Here:
https://www.einpresswire.com/article/856856828/construction-inclusion-week-celebrates-five-years-of-impact

CIRT Breakfast Meeting Highlights Construction Inclusion Week and Workforce Development

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 17:27:18 GMT

CIRT Breakfast Meeting Highlights Construction Inclusion Week and Workforce Development

The recent Construction Industry Round Table Breakfast Meeting featured Rodney Pope from Turner Construction Company, emphasizing the importance of workforce development during Construction Inclusion Week.

At the recent Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT) Breakfast Meeting, Rodney Pope from Turner Construction Company addressed critical issues surrounding workforce development in the construction industry. As a founding member of Construction Inclusion Week (CIW), Turner Construction Company has been a leader in promoting initiatives that enhance workforce engagement across the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector. Launched in 2020 alongside industry leaders such as Mortenson, McCarthy Building Companies, Clark Construction Group, Gilbane Building Company, and DPR Construction, CIW has seen participation from more than 3,000 companies, with expectations for even greater involvement this year.

Listen to the full audio here:

During his address, Pope highlighted one of the industry's most significant challenges: the shortage of skilled labor. "One of our biggest obstacles is the shortage in labor, with the demand for craftspeople at its highest: engineers, managers, far exceeding the available talent of openings," he said. This labor shortage underscores the urgency of CIW's mission to create awareness and promote pathways into the construction industry. Pope emphasized the need for collective action to address this challenge, urging industry leaders to focus on recruitment and retention strategies that foster a sense of belonging.

Pope elaborated on the importance of creating welcoming environments within the industry. "Recruitment is just the beginning. Retention depends on how we treat these people when they come to our jobs, when they come to our offices," he explained.

"One of our biggest obstacles is the shortage in labor, with the demand for craftspeople at its highest: engineers, managers, far exceeding the available talent of openings,"

— Rodney Pope, Turner Construction Company, Co-chair for Construction Inclusion Week 2025

Pope further stressed that fostering a workplace where individuals feel respected and valued is crucial for retaining talent. "If we do that, they will stay. They will grow. They will contribute to the needs of our industry," he added, highlighting the long-term benefits of a well-supported workforce.

Looking ahead, Pope called for a broader approach to meet workforce demands. "It requires us to look beyond traditional recruitment channels and actively welcome people from everywhere," he said, mentioning students, military veterans, and individuals from various communities as potential candidates. He concluded with a powerful message about the construction industry's potential to transform lives: "If we get out there and we show them what they can be, that construction is an immediate highway to the middle class, we can make a difference." As Construction Inclusion Week approaches, the insights shared by Pope serve as a reminder of the industry's commitment to enhancing workforce development.

About the CIRT

The Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT) is a nonprofit organization that brings together leaders from the construction industry to address key issues and promote best practices. CIRT focuses on enhancing the industry's performance through collaboration and innovation. For more information, visit their website at cirt.org .

Building a Brighter Future: Attracting Talent to the Construction Industry

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 12:15:03 GMT

Building a Brighter Future: Attracting Talent to the Construction Industry

In the face of ongoing labor shortages, the construction industry is at a critical juncture. “We need more people to come into our industry, but we have to make construction attractive for them to come,” says Abrar Sheriff, a seasoned executive who recently took on the role of president of a new construction services business line while continuing as president and CEO of Turner International. His insights highlight a pressing need for the industry to evolve and adapt to attract the next generation of skilled workers.

Sheriff emphasizes that investing in employee resources and development is essential for creating a welcoming environment. “Construction is hard as is,” he notes. “The biggest thing we feel as a company is creating the right environment where people feel respected.” This sentiment underscores the importance of fostering a culture that values collaboration and connection among employees. By creating more avenues for workers to engage with one another, companies can significantly enhance teamwork and morale.

The challenges of the construction industry are compounded by the realities of project timelines. “They are working, they are away from their families; a typical project lasts two years,” Sheriff explains. “So we feel we have to make our sites more attractive, our industry more attractive.” This perspective highlights the need for companies to not only focus on the work itself but also on the overall experience of their employees.

"Construction is hard as is. The biggest thing we feel as a company is creating the right environment where people feel respected.”

— Abrar Sheriff, Co-chair of Construction Inclusion Week 2025

Turner is a founding member of Construction Inclusion Week, an initiative launched in 2020 alongside industry leaders such as Mortenson, McCarthy Building Cos., Clark Construction Group, Gilbane Building Co., and DPR Construction. This annual event promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion across the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector, sharing strategies on workforce recruitment, retention, and the establishment of resource groups. Since its inception, more than 3,000 companies have participated, and Sheriff anticipates even greater involvement this year.

Looking ahead, Sheriff is optimistic about the future of the industry. “In the next three to five years, we feel workforce needs are only going to increase,” he states. “As long as people come into our industry—that’s what matters. It doesn’t matter who they are working for. Everybody works together.” This collaborative spirit is essential for building a robust and diverse workforce that can meet the demands of an evolving industry.

In conclusion, as the construction sector grapples with labor shortages, the call to action is clear: creating an attractive and inclusive environment is vital for drawing in new talent. By prioritizing respect, collaboration, and employee well-being, the industry can pave the way for a brighter future, ensuring that it remains a viable and appealing career choice for generations to come.

This article was extracted from the Engineering News Record article " ENR's Top 400 Contractors Proceed With Caution Amid Intensifying Market Challenges " by Emell Adolphus. Read the original article here.

With DEI under fire, Construction Inclusion Week will focus on recruitment

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 13:19:53 GMT

With DEI under fire, Construction Inclusion Week will focus on recruitment

Source: Joe Bousquin via Construction Drive

Amid the Trump administration’s war on equity programs, the fall initiative won’t target a specific population or group but will welcome everyone, says Turner’s Abrar Sheriff.

Through its first five months, 2025 has not been kind to diversity, equity and inclusion.

On his first day in office, President Donald Trump issued an executive order targeting “wasteful government DEI programs” in which his administration characterized government DEI practices as “illegal.”

The next day, Trump ordered government agencies to target DEI programs in the private sector as well.

Then, last week, the DOT agreed to abandon automatic inclusion of women and certain minorities in its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, conceding that doing so was likely unconstitutional given the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision banning affirmative action in higher education admissions.

Nonetheless, some of the largest companies in the construction industry are forging ahead with the fifth annual Construction Inclusion Week.

"One of the biggest challenges we are facing is getting more people into our industry...We need close to half a million people, including pipefitters, electricians, carpenters, other craft people and laborers. So we have to make construction attractive to them. We have to make it where people feel comfortable, respected and included, while being treated with dignity. Because construction is hard. And if they don’t feel respected, they won’t come to our industry. ”

— Abrar Sheriff, Co-chair of Construction Inclusion Week 2025

In a recent press release, the event’s founders, which include Turner Construction, M.A. Mortenson, DPR Construction, Gilbane Building Co., McCarthy Building Cos. and Clark Construction, announced the 2025 event will run from Oct. 13 through Oct. 17.

The initiative was first held in 2021 in the wake of the social upheaval following George Floyd’s murder, to make construction workers of all backgrounds feel welcome in the face of multiple bias-motivated events, including dozens of displays of nooses, at jobsites throughout North America.

Here, Abrar Sheriff, president at Turner and co-chair of CIW 2025, talks with Construction Dive about the event’s focus this year, promoting inclusion now and why building executives are continuing to focus on this area despite the current policy environment.

The following has been edited for brevity and clarity.

CONSTRUCTION DIVE: What’s the goal of Construction Inclusion Week 2025 and how does it fit into the broader environment toward DEI that we’re seeing today?

ABRAR SHERIFF: One of the biggest challenges we are facing is getting more people into our industry.

With this new race to AI and all of the data centers that are being built, all of the semiconductor chip plants that are being built, there’s a massive need. We need close to half a million people, including pipefitters, electricians, carpenters, other craft people and laborers.

So we have to make construction attractive to them. We have to make it where people feel comfortable, respected and included, while being treated with dignity. Because construction is hard. And if they don’t feel respected, they won’t come to our industry.

In 2025, the Trump administration has characterized at least some DEI initiatives as illegal. Why did you all decide to move forward with this initiative this year?

Yeah, we do not see this as a DEI initiative. We see this as a requirement for the industry, we need more people to come in. We want people from all walks of life.

This is making sure that all people feel included, everyone. So it’s not targeting a specific population or a group.

There is no discrimination. If you need a half a million people, you have to welcome everyone. We want to get people into our industry because there’s an absolute need.

The Trump administration has made it a priority to eliminate DEI programs, both in government and the private sector. By promoting this now, are you in some ways putting a target on your back?

For a long time, our companies have believed in actively caring for and taking care of our people. That means respect and inclusion, and that hasn’t changed. We will continue to do that.

We believe anybody who comes to a Turner jobsite, we want them to be their best. It doesn’t matter from where. What walk of life they’re coming from. That’s who we are. That’s been our core value and that’s what we’re going to continue to be.

"This is a good thing we are doing. We’re bringing more people into the industry. We hope people see that and that we’re doing this for the right reasons. ”

— Abrar Sheriff, Co-chair of Construction Inclusion Week 2025

Have there been any legal challenges or do you anticipate any legal challenges to CIW this year?

No. We haven’t seen any, and we don’t anticipate any right now.

This is a good thing we are doing. We’re bringing more people into the industry. We hope people see that and that we’re doing this for the right reasons.

During times of political divisiveness, there can often be an uptick of bias-motivated events on jobsites, including hate speech. Have you seen any change on your jobsites since the inauguration?

Yes and no. There’s been a trend, there are certain periods of the year that it spikes and then it goes back down.

I would say right now it’s almost like a steady state. We call in everything and we track everything. But currently, it feels consistent to previous years.

The same goes for our trade partners. They may track it differently from us, but they are looking at it, too. We don’t feel alone in this fight.

At my core, what I believe is when we do have a bias-motivated event, and we have a stand down to talk about it, I’m hoping that worker goes home, talks to his family and says, “This is crazy. Turner did this. They stopped work to talk about this.”

And if there’s a kid listening, maybe they think that’s pretty cool. Maybe they talk to their friends and neighbors. And then they talk to their friends and neighbors. So every heart and mind we change, I think it multiplies by at least 10. That’s what I believe.

How can smaller companies continue promoting inclusion without being fearful that they will be singled out or targeted for doing so?

So part of this program is we have worked really hard — all six founding companies — to put together different programs for the other companies that sign up. Maybe they don’t have the budget to afford to build these programs and content themselves.

But they can just share it, use the content and programs we create, change the name, put their logo on it and go ahead and utilize it. So it’s almost like giving them a blueprint on how to work and how to create the right environment.

This article was originally published at Construction Drive. Read the original article here.

CONSTRUCTION INCLUSION WEEK 2025 SET FOR OCTOBER 13–17

Fri, 09 May 2025 04:29:26 GMT

CONSTRUCTION INCLUSION WEEK 2025 SET FOR OCTOBER 13-17

Registration and Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available

NATIONWIDE, NY, UNITED STATES, May 1, 2025 / EINPresswire.com / -- Construction Inclusion Week returns for its fifth consecutive year from October 13–17, rallying industry leaders around the theme: "Opening Doors: Building a Workplace for Everyone."

This milestone year addresses urgent workforce development needs and continues the commitment to making construction an industry where everyone feels welcome, valued, and empowered to thrive. Facing a need for new workers, Construction Inclusion Week aims to broaden recruitment and create clear pathways for entry for all people, including students, veterans, and career changers.

Over the past four years, Construction Inclusion Week has experienced significant growth, with more than 3,000 companies—including architects, engineers, clients, industry associations, and technology partners—participating last year alone.

“Construction Inclusion Week is about removing barriers, expanding access, and creating inclusive environments where all people experience respect and dignity,” said Abrar Sheriff, President, Turner Construction Company and Co-chair of Construction Inclusion Week 2025.

Construction careers offer rewarding opportunities such as competitive compensation, stable employment, and the chance to make a tangible impact by shaping skylines, communities, and building essential infrastructure. With rapid advancements in technology and adoption of innovative construction practices, the industry is evolving, creating dynamic roles in engineering, project management, skilled trades, and beyond.

"Construction Inclusion Week is about removing barriers, expanding access, and creating inclusive environments where all people experience respect and dignity”

— Abrar Sheriff, Co-chair of Construction Inclusion Week 2025

Registration is now open at ConstructionInclusionWeek.com. Registrants will receive resources and practical tools including toolbox talks designed to drive meaningful engagement throughout the year. Participants are encouraged to:
• Expand outreach and highlight rewarding career pathways within construction.
• Invest in comprehensive training, apprenticeships, and mentorship programs.
• Cultivate workplace cultures prioritizing respect, dignity, and belonging.

Sponsorship opportunities are available, offering visibility and partnership opportunities that directly impact workforce development programs and workplace enrichment efforts.

Construction Inclusion Week engages all sectors of the industry in creating respectful, safe, and empowering job sites and offices. Through practical activities, Construction Inclusion Week reinforces our shared commitment to ensure everyone can build a meaningful career, reach their full potential, and contribute their best.

To register or learn more about becoming a sponsor, visit www.constructioninclusionweek.com .

Media Contact:
Asheya Warren, CPSM; PRAXIS Strategic Consulting, LLC
972.755.5330; awarren@praxis-psm.com

Asheya Warren
PRAXIS
+1 972-755-5330
email us here