Construction Industry
The construction industry stands out as a major beneficiary of procurement spending, boasting clearer pathways for worker progression compared to other sectors. In certain US states, apprenticeship programmes within the construction industry are affiliated with Trade Unions and guaranteed through community workforce agreements.
Moreover, pay conditions in construction often surpass those in many other sectors, safeguarded by national legislation like the Davis-Bacon Act. This legislation ensures that workers on publicly funded construction contracts receive prevailing wages.
Despite these advantages, the oversight and execution of training programs and career advancement in the construction industry are insufficiently monitored and enforced. This issue is particularly prominent in intricate supply chains heavily reliant on self-employed workers.
Noteworthy research, such as the Buying Social Justice project has shed light on the underrepresentation of women and minority workers in the construction sector. The Activating Employers project seeks to contribute to this body of knowledge through a cross-national study spanning the UK, the US, and Australia. It aims to investigate efforts to promote the entry of disadvantaged groups into construction jobs and enhance their access to quality employment opportunities.