About ABCSD
How can I sign up for the ABCSD Newsletter?

Click here to sign up for ABCSD’s Weekly Newsletter.

How can someone contact ABCSD?

By email: info@abcsd.org
By phone: 858-513-4700
By social media: www.facebook.com/ABCSanDiego
https://twitter.com/abc_sandiego
http://www.instagram.com/ABCSanDiego

Where is ABCSD located?

Associated Builders and Contractors San Diego has its offices and its Apprenticeship training facility in a single location in the City of Poway at 13825 Kirkham Way, Poway, California, 92064

What is the Merit Shop Philosophy?

The Merit Shop Philosophy encourages open competition and a free enterprise approach to business. Merit Shop contractors believe contracts should be awarded solely on merit, without regard to labor union status. Merit Shop contractors are NOT anti-union; they simply believe the most qualified should prevail.

What is ABC?

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 that represents more than 23,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 68 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work.

Advocacy
How can I get involved to protect my business?
  • Information: Read our member newsletter. ABCSD’s member newsletter keeps you up to date on pending legislation or adverse government actions, and issues “Calls to Action” for you to participate, speak up, and be heard
  • Communication: Let policy makers know how their decisions affect you as a constituent. When ABCSD needs to raise concerns on behalf of our shared interests, take time to send an email, make a call, or even show up at a government board meeting or hearing and represent the Merit Shop point of view
  • Participation: Join our Political Action Committee. ABCSD’s Political Action Committee (PAC) works to stay informed on threats to fair and open competition among all contractors, and acts as your voice to inform and educate decision-makers. Your support whether volunteer or financial can help protect members from damaging Project Labor Agreements and other measures which shut down our ability to win work in the open marketplace.
What are ABC’s legislative and regulatory priorities?

ABC’s priorities on a local, state, and national level include:

  • Stopping employment discrimination on public projects through Project Labor Agreements (PLAs)
  • Protecting ABC’s apprenticeship training opportunities on all projects, and educating the next generation of skilled construction professionals
  • Promoting healthy growth in the construction marketplace
  • Encouraging diversity in the construction industry, including better representation among traditionally under-represented groups including minorities, women, and military veterans
  • Fighting against unnecessary and costly regulations and licensure
How does ABCSD advocate for your business interests?

No other group represents you as a Merit Shop contractor like ABCSD. Joining with other chapters in California and with our nationwide network and organization, members and staff educate and advocate for fair and open competition in contracting without excessive government mandates or intrusion.

Apprenticeship
Aren’t construction jobs disappearing?

Construction remains the second largest employer in the United States, and it is facing a serious shortage of talent. 87% of contractors report having a difficult time filling key professional and skilled craft worker positions. Contractors are eager to hire a skilled, diversified workforce. Why shouldn’t that be YOU?

What kind of job opportunities are there for construction professionals?

As an organization devoted to producing a skilled and well-trained construction workforce which can meet the challenges of an increasingly complex and technology driven profession, ABCSD encourages more men and women to consider a career in the construction industry. Given the growing shortage of skilled craft professionals, estimated to be 1.6 million people by 2022 nationwide, there will be tremendous future job opportunities for a skilled and trained craft professional.

Do apprentices receive health benefits?

Yes, apprentices receive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.

What are the starting wages for my trade?

The rate of pay for apprentices is determined by the State of California and the U.S. Department of Labor and varies by trade. Wages depend on multiple factors including the location of your jobsite by county, and the bid advertisement date of the project, and your apprenticeship wage period.

Wage information is discussed in more detail during applicant orientation.

Do you offer classes in Spanish?

Unfortunately, we do not. Classroom instruction and all instructional materials including textbooks, plans, and directions are presented in English. Students must be able to read, write and communicate in the English language.

CQM-C
What if I do not pass the final exam?

If you do not pass the final exam please contact the instructor who will provide guidance on make-up work. After completing the make-up work, you will be allowed to retake the final exam.

Are there any quizzes other than the final exam?

Yes, there are end of training module quizzes that must be completed prior to proceeding to the next training module. You have two attempts to complete the quiz with a passing grade. If you do not pass on both attempts the instructor will coordinate with you to reset the module quiz.

If I can’t attend my enrolled Live Virtual date, can I reschedule?

Yes, but there is a $50 fee for processing the change of enrollment. Please email info@kugan.com with your information and request to change your enrolled date or our Construction Education Manager at ce@abcsd.org.

What is the length of this course?

The CQM-C course has over 16-hours of training material and class exercises.

Is this course On-Demand or Live Virtual?

This course is both on-demand and live virtual. It comprised of 8-hours of on-demand videos and exercises in addition to a one-day, 8-hour instructor-led live Zoom training held on Fridays.