Phoenix, Ariz. – The Arizona Builders Alliance (ABA) announced the hire of Kimberly Kahl as the next director of workforce development and apprenticeship to oversee the ABA/AGC Education Trust apprenticeship program and workforce development efforts.

In the new role, Kahl will be responsible for leading workforce development efforts and apprenticeship programs on behalf of the ABA and its more than 300-member companies across the state. ABA President Tom Dunn describes her as “a great fit for the ABA,” adding she stood out because of her exceptional career experience, positive outlook and ability to bring people together.

“Her career accomplishments with respect to developing and leading apprenticeship programs will bring even more value and quality to the commercial construction industry,” Dunn said. “Demand for construction professionals has never been higher and Kimberly’s career emphasis on workforce development through marketing and outreach efforts will make a difference.”

Kahl began her association career with the Mason Contractors Association of America where she served as the director of education and was responsible for national masonry workforce development. She developed recruiting tools for contractors and training materials for masonry apprenticeships as well as the Masonry Skills Challenge, which is a national championship for masonry apprentices.

She later moved to Arizona to become executive director of the Arizona Masonry Contractors Association, overseeing the group’s three-year apprenticeship program. Kahl also served as chair of the National Masonry Technical Committee for SkillsUSA and was actively involved with the National Masonry Instructors Association, assisting with educational and workforce development efforts. In 2003, Masonry Construction magazine named Kahl the “Industry Leader of the Year” for being a leader on masonry workforce development nationwide.

“My experience has prepared me for this new role because not only am I familiar with apprenticeships, I am passionate about developing a workforce for the construction industry,” Kahl said. “Our workforce is aging, and I am excited to recruit young people who are looking for an excellent career path in construction.”

As director, Kahl would like to focus on marketing and see more contractors participating in the program to attract more people to the industry, particularly those who do not plan to attend college.

“I understand that finishing college can be hard, expensive and time-consuming for someone who is married with a family,” Kahl said. “Apprenticeships allow people to learn a trade, find a great career, and earn money to support their family.”

In addition to the electrical and heavy equipment apprenticeship programs already underway at the ABA, Kahl will oversee the certification and administration of other apprentice programs for ABA-member contractors including pipefitting, HVAC and more. She will also attend career days and fairs across the state as well as work with government agencies and veteran groups to educate, train and employ future skilled laborers.

“They can earn while they learn with no student loan debt and make as much if not more than someone with a four-year college degree,” she said.

Outside of work, Kahl enjoys traveling with her husband and 14-year-old son. She’s visited all 50 states and multiple countries including several in Europe and Africa.

Phoenix, Arizona  – The Arizona Builders Alliance (ABA) Associated General Contractors (AGC) Education Fund held its annual graduation ceremony Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at the Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West. This annual celebration finalizes the journey for individuals in programs that support workforce development and employment in numerous trades including Electrical, Heavy Equipment Operation, and Diesel Mechanics.

The event had a total of 289 in attendance and was sponsored by Procore, DP Electric, Sundt, Switch Electric, ABA, AGC, 3M and the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Apprentices started out with dinner as they and their families mingled with their peers. ABA members and companies that had graduating apprentices included: AME Electrical, Corbins Electric, Delta Diversified Enterprises, DP Electric, Granite Construction, Hunter Contracting Co., Jenco Inc., Kortman Electric Inc., Ludvik Electric, Markham Contracting Co., Inc., Rummel Construction Inc., Rural Electric, Sunland Asphalt, Sunstate Energy, Sundt, Switch Electric, Team Fishel, The Ashton Company Inc., Thomas Electrical Contractors, Urban Energy Solutions, and Wilson Electric.

During the ceremony, outstanding apprentice awards were given to two individuals who demonstrated hard work and dedication not only to their studies but in their willingness and the citizenship to learn and grow within their trades, were recognized. Willey Williams from Sundt’s Heavy Equipment Program received the Lloyd Hutchison award, presented by Josh Phillips, civil division manager at Sunland Asphalt and David Mullaney, director of sales at Empire Southwest. Jason Brown from Delta Diversified Enterprises’ electrical program received the Ernie Bonham award, presented by Scot Rager, education manager at D.P. Electric Inc. and Dan “The Tool Man” Steindam, area sales manager at IDEAL Industries Inc. Jason Brown of Delta Diversified was also the ABA AGC Education Fund’s Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Silver winner in the National Craft Championship (NCC) held in Long Beach California earlier this year.

Of the 48 total graduating apprentices, 30 were from the Electrical program, 12 were from the Heavy Equipment Operators program, 6 were from the Heavy Diesel Mechanics program.

Before concluding the ceremony, the Vice President of Training and Development Fred Ingersoll asked Jeff Meador of Switch Electric, Chris Cramer of D.P. Electric, Jason Brown of Delta Diversified Electric, and Lawrence Thompson of D.P. Electric, to stand, announcing that these graduates are showing their true passion for the craft as they will be coming back in the Fall as instructors.

PHOENIX, Arizona – The Arizona Builders Alliance (ABA) is pleased to announce that Bryan Eto has joined the association’s board of directors as treasurer. In the role, he is responsible for overseeing the ABA’s annual budget, reporting on financial status and providing guidance in managing ABA’s assets.

“Bryan brings a background in accounting and financial management to the board,” said Mark Minter, president of the ABA. “In addition to his general accounting practice, he specializes in the commercial construction industry and has represented dozens of contractor clients over the years.”

“I look forward to helping the organization expand by implementing the strategic plan to attain growth goals and make sure the organization stays financially sound,” said Eto.

Eto is an Accounting and Assurance Shareholder for BeachFleischman PC. He has been in public accounting since 1995, and has experience with financial statements, forecasts and projections, forensic accounting and litigation support. Eto attained his bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Arizona.

The ABA board of directors provides oversight and leadership of the association and champions key initiatives in the association’s strategic plan. For more information about the ABA, visit www.azbuilders.org.