Celebrating Craft Appreciation Week: Our Future Depends on Craft Professionals
As we celebrate McCarthy's Annual Craft Appreciation Week, we honor the talent driving our industry forward and inspiring the next generation of builders.
My respect for craft talent comes from growing up in a builder family — my dad, grandpa and their teams taught me that the real magic of construction happens in the hands of those working in the field. At McCarthy Building Companies, our craft workforce represents strength, pride and reliability. They build the spaces our communities depend on — and their dedication drives our success. While we celebrate our craft professionals every day, Craft Appreciation Week is a special moment to honor the incredible talent on our jobsites nationwide.
Early in my career, I learned how much our industry depends on experienced tradespeople. As a young superintendent grappling with a tough hospital expansion, I relied on our craft experts to teach me. Showing up humble and curious, I learned lessons that continue to shape how I lead — by listening to our craft professionals.
The construction industry faces a major talent gap. The industry is hundreds of thousands of skilled workers short, even as demand grows. At McCarthy, we're serious about this challenge. When I started, we had fewer than 1,000 craft professionals. Today, more than half of our 8,000 employees are craft professionals. We invest in our craft professionals by listening to our workforce, offering outstanding benefits and providing helpful resources so they can grow in their careers.
Safety and training are top priorities. Our Registered Apprenticeship Program — along with our Innovation and Craft Workforce Center — combine hands-on learning with career advancement. We self-perform 15+ trades, from electrical and mechanical to concrete and plumbing.
Recruitment is evolving. More young people and individuals from all backgrounds see skilled trades as a first-choice career. Gen-Z now ranks trades as one of the top career paths. We engage schools, technical academies, and partners like Grand Canyon University to showcase the possibilities, including our STEMstruction program for teens.
McCarthy's story began in 1864 as barn builders in Michigan. Building is in our DNA — and our continued success depends on every craft professional who picks up a tool and builds something great. Our company couldn't exist without them. Thank you to every craft professional for being the heart and soul of McCarthy.
Let's keep building, together.
