McCarthy Kicks Off Craft Appreciation Week with Nationwide Celebration

ST. LOUIS – Aug. 26, 2024 – McCarthy Holdings, Inc. (McCarthy), one of the nation’s leading construction companies, proudly announces its celebration of Craft Appreciation Week 2024. From August 26-30, McCarthy will host events at the firm’s jobsites nationwide to recognize and thank the more than 4,500 craft professionals who are instrumental in shaping communities across America. 

“McCarthy is a true builder, and our craft professionals are the backbone of our success,” McCarthy Chairman and CEO Ray Sedey said. “We believe it’s not only what we build, but how we do it. Each day, our craft professionals bring their technical skills, dedication and passion to help ensure we deliver exceptional results for our clients. As we approach Labor Day, we’re proud to honor these men and women who are building our communities.” 

McCarthy employs craft professionals performing a broad variety of trades, including carpenters, equipment operators, laborers, foremen, plumbers, pipefitters, electricians, ironworkers, millwrights and more. Keeping safety the top priority, McCarthy performed more than 27 million labor hours in 2023 and achieved a Total Project Incident Rate of 0.42.  

Construction: A Career of Opportunity 

The construction industry continues to present rewarding career paths with immense growth potential. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects more than 150,000 openings for construction laborers annually through 2032. The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) reports that construction employment increased in nearly 40 states in July 2024, compared to a year earlier. As a firm committed to excellence, McCarthy remains dedicated to cultivating a work environment where craft professionals can thrive. 

“Our goal is to provide a workplace where every individual feels valued and has the opportunity to grow. Our craft employees repeatedly tell us that McCarthy is a great place for them to work and build their careers,” said McCarthy Director of Talent Acquisition Erica Gilliland. “We are deeply committed to the safety, development and well-being of our craft workforce, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to excel.” 

Investing in Our Workforce 

With a dedicated team of full-time craft development professionals, McCarthy offers year-round training opportunities that combine classroom instruction with hands-on experience. These programs, which include more than 50 safety, skills-based, and leadership development courses, are designed to prepare the firm’s workforce for the demands of today’s complex construction challenges. 

In 2024, McCarthy’s Registered Apprenticeship Program continues to provide entry-level craft employees with a robust pathway to career advancement. The program includes a pair of two-year programs and one, four-year program, all requiring 144 hours of classroom learning and 2,000 on-the-job hours annually. Apprentices undergo a two-day onboarding session, followed by field training with mentors who assess their progress. Upon completion, apprentices receive certification that can be used to advance their careers. 

McCarthy has a dedicated craft workforce training center located in Chandler, Ariz. The Innovation and Craft Workforce Center (ICWC) opened in March 2023 and serves more than 2,000 McCarthy craft professionals and trade partners. It also supports the development of Arizona’s future construction trade workforce through partnering with local Career and Technical Education programs, K-12 and college programs.      

McCarthy also is actively engaged in a variety of industry and outreach activities to introduce construction careers to individuals who may not be aware of the opportunities or are unsure how to get started. For example, the firm has a long history of supporting service members of the U. S. Armed Forces during their service and transition back into the workforce, partnering with national and regional organizations to reach veterans looking for new career opportunities. 

Engaging the Next Generation 

Recognizing the need to address the skilled labor shortage, McCarthy is actively involved in outreach initiatives aimed at inspiring the next generation of builders.  

“From classroom presentations to hands-on workshops, we are committed to introducing students of all ages to the vast opportunities within the construction industry,” Gilliland said. “Our industry’s future depends on inspiring today’s youth to consider construction as a viable and rewarding career. By engaging with students early, we can open their eyes to the possibilities that lie ahead in this dynamic field.” 

Join Us in Celebrating Craft Appreciation Week 

“As we celebrate Craft Appreciation Week 2024, we extend our deepest gratitude to our craft professionals,” Sedey said. “Your unwavering commitment to excellence is the cornerstone of McCarthy’s success and the foundation of the communities we serve.” 

For more information on careers for craft professionals at McCarthy, visit mccarthy.com/careers/craft-professionals. 

About McCarthy 

McCarthy Holdings, Inc. (McCarthy), comprised of McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. and Castle Contracting, LLC, is the oldest privately held national construction company in America. With 160 years spent collaborating with partners to solve complex building challenges on behalf of its clients, McCarthy is committed to providing great experiences for everyone. Repeatedly honored as a Best Place to Work, McCarthy is ranked the 17th largest domestic builder (Engineering News-Record, May 2024). With over 8,000 salaried employees and craft professionals, the firm is headquartered in St. Louis and has offices in Atlanta; Collinsville, Ill.; Kansas City, Kan.; Omaha, Neb.; Phoenix; Las Vegas; Denver; Austin, Channelview, Dallas and Houston, Texas; and San Diego, Newport Beach, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose and Sacramento, Calif. McCarthy is 100 percent employee owned.