September 2026 47

Wellesley, MA— The Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts( AGC MA) recently hosted its sixth annual Building Advancement Externship( BAE). The week-long event was held during August 3rd through August 7th. The professional development program brought together Massachusetts high school and vocational educators, counselors, administrators, and workforce professionals for an inside look at the construction industry, helping them connect students with careers in one of the Commonwealth’ s fastest-growing STEM industries.

Throughout the week, participants visited active jobsites, contractor offices, apprenticeship training centers, and higher education partners. They learned about sustainable construction, emerging technologies, workforce development, clean energy, and pathways into the industry. This year’ s curriculum added emphasis on sustainability, innovation, wellness, and preparing students for the future of construction. Topics includef construction management, artificial intelligence, apprenticeship pathways, healthy buildings, decarbonization, leadership, and project delivery.

The 2026 participants were Al

Amaral, Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School; James Connolly, Walpole High School; Jill Curry, Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School; Mary Ellison, Madison Park Technical Vocational High School; Daniel Goldsbury, Ruth Batson Academy; Seth Hosking, Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School; Stephanie Kirsch,

Building Advancement Externship participants

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School; Timothy Lizotte, Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School; Ashley Mansfield, Dedham High School; Aren Scanlan-Emigh, Narragansett Regional High School; Darius Smith, YouthBuild Boston; Bernadette Sullivan, Brockton High School; Sarah Weintraub, Algonquin Regional High School; and

Erica Wilson, Boston Green Academy.

The externship was supported and presented by BOND Building Construction, Colantonio Inc., Columbia Construction Company, Consigli Construction Co., Dimeo Construction Company, Erland Construction, Fontaine Bros., North Atlantic Regional Council of Carpenters, Turner Construction Company, and Walsh Brothers, with additional support from Quinsigamond Community College, AGC MA’ s Building Women in Construction Committee, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center( MassCEC), and AGC Student Chapters.

“ The Building Advancement Externship gives educators the knowledge, relationships, and firsthand experiences they need to introduce students to the incredible opportunities available throughout the construction industry,” said John Ferrante, CEO of AGC MA.“ Each year, our members generously open their doors to show educators how today’ s construction industry is embracing innovation, sustainability, and emerging technologies while creating rewarding career pathways for the next generation of the workforce.”

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