Every October, the construction industry pauses to recognize the people who build our communities. Careers in Construction Month is a national observance that raises public awareness and appreciation of craft professionals and the entire construction workforce, according to a 2026 state proclamation. Across the country, industry groups encourage members to share their own construction career journeys to help put a face to the professionals working in the industry.
For Project JumpStart, this October carries extra meaning. 2026 marks 20 years of Project JumpStart’s work in Baltimore, two decades of graduates, employers, instructors, and partners who have helped open doors into the trades. This month, we are celebrating both the industry and the people who chose to build a career in it.
The Industry Needs New Talent
The demand for skilled workers is real. Associated Builders and Contractors estimates the industry needs to attract 349,000 net new workers in 2026, rising to 456,000 in 2027, according to ABC’s 2026 workforce analysis. ABC’s chief economist noted that most of this year’s new worker demand is driven by retirements rather than increased construction spending. In other words, experienced tradespeople are leaving, and someone needs to be ready to step in.
Employers feel that gap every day. In AGC’s 2026 Workforce Survey released in September, 87 percent of firms reported openings for hourly craft positions, and 88 percent of firms with those openings said the roles were as hard or harder to fill than a year earlier. The same survey found that 36 percent of firms started or increased spending on training and professional development, a sign that the industry is investing in how new workers are prepared.
Where Project JumpStart, Inc. Fits In
For 20 years, Project JumpStart has focused on one question: how do we help Baltimore residents who are ready to work get prepared for the construction industry, and get connected to it?
Our pre-apprenticeship program combines hands-on construction instruction with the credentials and preparation employers look for. Participants earn OSHA 10 certification and CPR and First Aid training, complete 87 hours of job readiness training, and receive financial education and employer exposure along the way. Drug testing is part of the program, so graduates arrive at the job site ready to work.
We also know that training is only one part of the journey. Transportation, finances, and family responsibilities can stand between a graduate and a steady job. That is why PJSI launched JumpStart Wheels with Vehicles for Change, a pathway designed to help eligible employed graduates access reliable transportation. And through our collaboration with ABC Greater Baltimore, participants learn about registered apprenticeship opportunities that can help them keep growing after their first job.
For Anyone Considering a Career in Construction
Construction is not one job. It is carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, heavy civil, site safety, project management, and much more. Many of the professionals leading projects today started at the entry level, learning on the job and building their skills one project at a time.
If you are a Baltimore resident looking for a new direction, Careers in Construction Month is a good time to take the first step. Project JumpStart can help you build the foundation, earn industry-recognized credentials, and connect with employers who are hiring.
For Employers Who Need Prepared Workers
If your firm is feeling the hiring pressure, Project JumpStart can be a partner in your pipeline. Our employer engagement is free, and graduates can showcase their skills and experience on the TradeScouts Talent Board. Through JumpStart Your Team, PJSI is also building flexible pathways, including short-term and trial-period opportunities, that let contractors get to know qualified graduates on real projects.
Celebrate With Us This October
Twenty years in, our goal remains the same: to make sure Baltimore residents who are ready to work have access to high-quality construction training and the connections and support to build lasting careers.
Ready to start your construction career? Apply today.
Hiring for your next project? Check out our Great Candidates