Workforce Development

Building the Future of America’s Utility Workforce

NUCA’s workforce development efforts focus on strengthening the talent pipeline for the underground utility construction industry and supporting members with practical workforce resources. Through national programs, training pathways, scholarships, and chapter-led initiatives, NUCA works to elevate awareness of careers in utility construction and help contractors connect with the next generation of skilled workers.

These initiatives provide members with tools to recruit, train, and retain talent while building stronger connections with schools, workforce organizations, and local communities.

NUCA’s workforce development initiatives strengthen the pipeline of skilled professionals entering the underground utility construction industry.

Workforce at a Glance

Workforce demand is rising nationwide. These data points help illustrate the scale of the challenge—and why workforce development is one of NUCA’s highest-impact initiatives.

Construction Workforce

9.6M

People employed in the U.S. construction industry.

Workers Needed

439K

Net new workers needed in 2025 to meet industry demand.

Active Apprentices

593K+

Apprentices currently participating nationwide.

NUCA helps members connect workforce needs to practical solutions—training pathways, recruitment support, scholarships, and chapter-driven outreach.

NUCA Workforce Programs

Children operating construction equipment during NUCA Dozer Day workforce event

Featured Program

Dozer Day® Paves The Way

Dozer Day® introduces children, parents, and educators to construction careers through safe, hands-on experiences and community outreach.

NUCA supports chapters with workforce messaging, templates, and materials that help turn events into long-term workforce pipeline impact.

Explore Dozer Day® → Chapter Support

Pipeline Support

NUCA Scholarships

NUCA scholarships help reduce barriers for students pursuing construction, engineering, and skilled trade pathways while strengthening the future workforce.

Recipients attending universities, community colleges, and trade schools gain a strong foundation for entering the infrastructure industry.

View Scholarships → Apply Now

Construction worker and excavator representing NUCA workforce development and infrastructure careers

Workforce Development Toolkit

National Training & Credentialing Resources

These nationally recognized programs provide standardized training, certifications, and safety education for construction professionals.

NCCER – National Center for Construction Education & Research
Provides standardized training, industry-recognized credentials, and curriculum for skilled trades including pipeline construction, excavation, equipment operation, and crew leadership.

https://www.nccer.org

OSHA Training Institute Education Centers
Offers OSHA-10 and OSHA-30 safety training along with courses focused on excavation safety, trenching, confined spaces, and jobsite compliance.

https://www.osha.gov/otiec
Recruiting & Workforce Pipelines

These programs help contractors connect with job seekers, students, and transitioning workers entering the skilled trades.

CareerOneStop / American Job Centers (U.S. Department of Labor)
Provides free job postings, candidate matching, labor market information, and recruiting tools for employers nationwide.

https://www.careeronestop.org

Build Your Future (BYF)
A national construction career awareness campaign that provides classroom materials, career pathway information, and recruiting resources.

https://www.byf.org

Helmets to Hardhats
Connects military veterans to careers in the construction industry, providing a pipeline of disciplined and highly skilled workers.

https://www.helmetstohardhats.org

SkillsUSA
A national organization serving high school and postsecondary trade students. Local partnerships help contractors recruit emerging skilled workers.

https://www.skillsusa.org

Association for Career & Technical Education (ACTE)
Connects contractors with career and technical education programs across the country.

https://www.acteonline.org
Apprenticeships & Training Support

Registered apprenticeship programs provide structured training pathways while allowing employees to earn wages as they learn.

U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Programs

Employers can receive assistance creating apprenticeship programs including:

• Training program templates
• State contacts and technical assistance
• Access to apprenticeship funding opportunities

https://www.apprenticeship.gov

State Apprenticeship Agencies

Many states provide employer support including:

• Training grants
• Tuition reimbursement
• Administrative support
• Workforce program coordination

https://www.apprenticeship.gov/registered-apprenticeship/find-programs
Workforce Grants & Funding Opportunities

Federal and state workforce programs can help offset training costs and support new employee development.

Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA)

WIOA funding may provide:

• On-the-job training reimbursements
• Paid work experience programs
• Funding for upskilling employees
• Hiring incentives for new workers

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/wioa

Perkins V – Career & Technical Education Funding

Supports technical education programs in schools and training centers. Contractors can partner with funded programs to recruit students entering the workforce.

(Contact your state CTE office for program details.)
Industry-Specific Resources

These organizations provide safety guidance, workforce training support, and infrastructure industry resources.

Common Ground Alliance (CGA)

Offers safety awareness resources and excavation best practices to help train new workers entering the underground utility construction industry.

https://www.commongroundalliance.com

American Public Works Association (APWA)

Provides workforce development and training programs supporting public works and infrastructure professionals.

https://www.apwa.net