ABC Wisconsin Named Workforce Developer of the Year
Elizabeth Roddy was recognized for her efforts to scale apprenticeship recruitment in the state.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Jobs — General
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Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin named Elizabeth Roddy its Workforce Developer of the Year. The award highlights the efforts of industry professionals to bridge the skilled labor gap in the construction sector.
Why it matters
Operators in the construction industry face persistent competition for skilled labor, making robust recruitment pipelines essential. Expanding apprenticeship capacity is a critical strategy to address the high demand for qualified field workers.
The apprenticeship program overseen by Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin currently includes 2,500 active apprentices with 1,000 candidates in the qualification process. This follows a 22-year career in the construction industry by the award recipient.
The players
Elizabeth Roddy
The director of workforce outreach at Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin who has spent 22 years in the construction industry.
Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin
A construction industry trade association representing contractors and promoting professional development and apprenticeship programs.
The details
Elizabeth Roddy led the development of recruitment outreach materials for ABC and its member companies to streamline the entry process for new talent. She further expanded the program's reach by establishing formal partnerships with technical education teachers, community groups, and local employers. These efforts aim to solve the high demand for skilled labor by formalizing career paths and fostering industry inclusion.
Timeline
Elizabeth Roddy was named Workforce Developer of the Year on October 8, 2026.
Market Landscape
This development reflects the broader trend of construction trade groups formalizing their recruitment pipelines to mitigate the industry-wide skilled labor shortage. It builds on established industry patterns of using association-led apprenticeships to compete with alternative career paths.
Owners should evaluate their current recruitment partnerships to ensure they leverage local technical education and trade association resources. Building a reliable pipeline of qualified apprentices remains a primary defense against rising labor costs and project delays.
The takeaway
The successful integration of community partnerships and technical education is key to managing talent supply. Operators should audit their own recruitment outreach materials to ensure they clearly promote career growth to potential new hires.
Further reading
For broader insights on industry labor strategies, view the Jobs — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Reporter - WI Construction News & Bids.
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