SAN FRANCISCO, June 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Associated
General Contractors of America (AGC) and Autodesk today
launched the Construction Diversity Image Library, a collection of
photographs for use by the media featuring diverse individuals in
the construction workforce. The library will launch with an
established collection of images and as part of the initiative,
organizations from across the design, engineering and building
industry are invited to contribute additional photographs.
In both 2019 and 2020, the annual workforce survey conducted by
the AGC and Autodesk identified a steady and unfulfilled demand for
more talent, with up to 80 percent of contractors
reporting they are unable to find skilled workers. To fill the
workforce gap and deliver on the growing call for more buildings,
construction needs to attract and retain new talent.
The Construction Diversity Image Library provides editors and
journalists with a resource to easily access imagery that showcases
diversity in construction as it exists today and empowers the
industry to appeal to new, diverse talent.
"The library is a valuable asset that provides media easy access
to photos featuring various communities in construction," said
Jan Tuchman, editor-in-chief,
Engineering News-Record (ENR). "It will help us represent diversity
in our stories more generally so that hopefully more people can see
a place for themselves in the industry – whether in the field,
trailer or office."
"Showing potential recruits that they will not be alone on the
jobsite will make construction careers even more attractive to many
people," said Stephen E. Sandherr,
CEO of The Associated General Contractors of America. "The
Construction Diversity Image Library provides an invaluable tool
for helping the industry recruit the kind of diverse workforce it
needs to keep pace with future demand."
To kickstart the library's collection, Autodesk commissioned a
gallery of photographs in collaboration with several AGC member
firms. Autodesk will continue adding content, and other companies
and associations that share a commitment to elevating diverse
representation in construction are invited to add their own images
to the library.
The new Construction Diversity Image Library follows on the
heels of the AGC and Autodesk's women's safety harness grant
program, and builds on a shared resolve to address workforce
shortages, improve jobsite safety and boost diversity and inclusion
in construction. At Autodesk University 2020, industry publications
ENR and Construction Business Owner along with AGC member firms
also participated in a panel discussion, "How the construction
industry and media can work together to attract more
diversity."
"As the saying goes, you can't be what you can't see," said
Allison Scott, director of
construction thought leadership, Autodesk Construction Solutions.
"By increasing the diverse representation of construction
professionals in the media, we can show that a career in
construction is within reach for people who may never have
considered it an option. Both Autodesk and the AGC are committed to
celebrating industry diversity and encouraging more growth for the
future of work in construction."
Organizations interested in contributing to the library can do
so here. All submitted images are for editorial use only by media
publications. If used in editorial coverage, images will be
credited to the contributing organization.
To learn more about the role that initiatives such as the
Construction Diversity Image Library play in supporting industry
diversity and inclusion, visit the Autodesk Digital Builder
blog to read an interview with Henry
Nutt III, chair of the AGC's National Diversity &
Inclusion Steering Committee. Autodesk also offers additional
resources, events and conversations for those who want to get
involved in shaping the future of construction on the newly
launched "Advancing the Industry" webpage.
About the Associated General Contractors of
America
The Associated General Contractors of America works
to ensure the continued success of the commercial construction
industry by advocating for supportive federal, state and local
measures; providing opportunities for firms to learn about ways to
become more accomplished and connecting them with the resources and
individuals they need to be successful business and corporate
citizens.
About Autodesk
Autodesk makes software for people who
make things. If you've ever driven a high-performance car, admired
a towering skyscraper, used a smartphone, or watched a great film,
chances are you've experienced what millions of Autodesk customers
are doing with our software. Autodesk gives you the power to make
anything. For more information visit autodesk.com or follow
@autodesk.
Autodesk and the Autodesk logo are registered trademarks or
trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or
affiliates in the USA and/or other
countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks
belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to
alter product and services offerings, and specifications and
pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for
typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this
document. © 2021 Autodesk, Inc. All rights
reserved.
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SOURCE Autodesk, Inc.