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Strengthening local economies and supporting underserved communities are top priorities for any city or county agency, but the journey to achieving these goals is easier said than done. As these communities navigate economic uncertainties, one powerful tool continues to prove fruitful in helping accomplish these endeavors: robust workforce development initiatives for the construction industry.

This kind of workforce development isn’t just about filling jobs—it’s about laying the groundwork for long-term economic stability by offering individuals meaningful opportunities for upward mobility. Through skills training, job placement, and ongoing support, these programs do more than just reduce unemployment; they strengthen the very fabric of the communities they serve, sparking a ripple effect of economic growth.

As the CEO a software company that partners with government agencies to help meet workforce goals and comply with labor laws on public works construction projects, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of these programs. One excellent example is Los Angeles World Airports’ (LAWA) HireLAX program. By leveraging software solutions for labor compliance and career progress tracking, HireLAX has been able to not only meet their local hiring needs, but also provide participants with real opportunities for long-term career growth. 

The HireLAX Example 

HireLAX is an exemplary case of how workforce development programs can truly transform lives and uplift communities. Created by LAWA to support its massive $30 billion capital improvement project at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), this program is all about building a skilled workforce to handle the construction and renovation of major airport facilities.

But HireLAX goes beyond just filling job vacancies; it's designed to ensure that the benefits of LAX’s expansion create a better quality of life for its participants. By partnering with local institutions and nonprofit organizations, HireLAX offers training to individuals from local areas, equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in the construction industry. And since these individuals will be working on publicly funded projects that are subject to the Davis-Bacon Act and prevailing wage laws, they are effectively entering careers that provide family-sustaining wages, potentially lifting some individuals above the poverty line. 

Overcoming Barriers 

Workforce development programs like HireLAX do more than just offer technical training; they can also tackle the personal challenges that participants often face. These programs often include a social component aimed at recruiting disenfranchised groups. As such, participants often face barriers like lack of housing, transportation, or childcare, which can derail their progress. HireLAX collaborates with nonprofit partners to provide critical support services, from case management to life skills training, so that participants have the resources they need to stay the course.

The program also understands that training and job placement are just the beginning of a journey. Regular follow-ups with graduates are essential to keeping them engaged in their new careers. HireLAX offers mentorship and guidance, helping graduates navigate their professional journeys and continue building on the skills they learned during training.

A Model for the Future 

As communities across the country face economic challenges, HireLAX stands out as an example of what’s possible when workforce development is optimized. The program’s success lies in its approach of combining technical training with supportive services and long-term mentorship. By addressing both the professional and personal needs of participants, HireLAX assists its graduates in being prepared to enter the workforce and thrive in a career. 

Workforce development has the potential to be so much more than just a tool for addressing unemployment. It can be a catalyst for transformation. By providing individuals with the skills, resources, and support they need to succeed, these programs create opportunities for personal and community-wide growth. As we move forward in an ever-evolving economic landscape, the importance of workforce development cannot be overstated. It is a powerful response to the challenges we face today and a key driver to a more equitable, prosperous future. 

Learn more about LCPtracker’s innovative cloud-based software solutions for construction compliance and workforce development that help government agencies and contractors effectively comply with prevailing wage laws and track workforce initiatives.