Construction sector employment rose by 25,000 jobs in September as both nonresidential and residential contractors added workers at a faster clip than other industries, according to an analysis of new government data the Associated General Contractors of America released Oct. 4.

The Department of Labor announced the award of $6 million in funding to help recruit, train and retain more women in quality pre-apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship programs, as well as nontraditional occupations.

The Metal Construction Association is reinvigorating its MCM System Fabricator Certification program. Through the program, companies that fabricate metal composite material panels for architectural use can earn certification by meeting requirements for experience, services, MCM system performance and financial strength.

Milwaukee Tool has once again expanded its presence in the United States with the opening of its newest manufacturing facility, which is located in Grenada County, Mississippi.

The Department of Labor announced that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has completed changes to restructure its regional operations.

The Lester Group announced the appointment of Thomas Hartman as the new general manager of Custom Builder Supply. With an impressive 17-year track record in the building materials industry, Hartman joins Custom Builder Supply from The AZEK Company, where he excelled as a divisional sales manager.

Knauf Insulation, Inc. announced the opening of its new, state-of-the-art facility in McGregor, Texas, bringing Knauf’s manufacturing network to eight locations across the United States.

On Oct. 8, Holcim Group announced the acquisition of OX Engineered Products, a leader in residential wall insulation and sheathing. The acquisition further strengthens Holcim’s commitment to expanding its comprehensive building envelope solutions beyond roofing, providing customers with a broader range of high-performance materials for residential and commercial construction.

Democrats on the Joint Economic Committee released a new report, which found that expanding registered apprenticeship programs will expand the pipeline of workers into higher-paying jobs while also meeting the needs of employers.

Associated Builders and Contractors announced Oct. 7 that it has named John Mielke as its senior director of apprenticeship. The former ABC Wisconsin chapter president will provide strategic direction, transformational leadership and innovative education solutions to ABC’s 67 chapters, 23,000 members and their apprenticeship trusts nationwide.