Workforce equity

Construction workersPCC recognizes that the skilled trades are a critical pathway out of poverty and into family-wage careers with benefits and retirement. The college is engaged with regional and nationwide campaigns to ensure that the next generation of craftworkers more accurately reflects the population of our state. PCC is committed to equalizing the opportunity to learn and advance in the skilled trades, particularly for those who have been historically excluded from these opportunities.

Equity objectives

OPC’s workforce equity goals address documented deficits in the trade industry.

We are committed to equalizing the opportunity to learn and advance in the skilled trades, particularly for those who have been historically excluded from these opportunities. For this reason, we’ve set forth objectives regarding journeyworkers (workers who have attained a level of skill, ability, and competency recognized within the construction industry) and apprentices (workers who learn a trade from experienced craft professionals on site).

We have set forth the following workforce equity objectives:

25%

Journeyworker hours performed by Black, Indigenous, Latinx, or other People of Color

9%

Journeyworker hours performed by women and non-binary people

22%

Apprentice hours performed by Black, Indigenous, Latinx, or other People of Color

20%

Apprentice hours performed by women and non-binary people

20%

Total apprentice hours by contractor and trade

OPC’s equity objectives apply equally to the design side of construction projects. Partnering design teams’ workforces are tracked using consistent data monitoring methods. Find more information on the design equity dashboard.

OPC uses the following tools to intentionally address workforce equity:

  • Workforce Training and Hiring Program (WTHP)
    The WTHP provides an intentional framework to maximize apprenticeship and employment opportunities for BIPOC, women, and economically disadvantaged workers in the construction trades. By outlining specific requirements for recruitment, training, and employment, this program ensures PCC’s contracting dollars provide equitable opportunities to these historically oppressed groups of people.
  • Respectful Worksite Program (RWP)
    The purpose of an approved Respectful Worksite Program is to eliminate bullying, harassment, hazing, and exclusion that disproportionately affects the participation and retention of minority and women workers in the industry.

Bid / request for proposals

Partners

  • Oregon Tradeswomen logo
  • POIC logo
  • MAWE (Metropolitan Alliance for Workforce Equity) logo
  • Safe From Hate logo
  • Portland Youth Builders logo
  • RISE (Respect, Inclusion, Safety, Equity) logo
  • Green Dot at Work logo