Central OH growth and new work for Intel means more work opportunities

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer for the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council (C/CO BCTC), joined the America’s Workforce Union Podcast to discuss Intel's recent announcement that it was awarded two large contracts. Hager also spoke about the opportunities for workers that come with the expected growth of Central Ohio, which can be seen in the number of signatory contractors moving into the area.

The U.S. Government’s Secure Enclave program recently announced a $3.5 billion grant for Intel to produce chips for use by the armed forces. He then discussed a separate $3.6 billion deal between Intel and Amazon Web Services for custom chips made by Intel specifically for Amazon. Hager explained what this means for the work currently happening in Central Ohio and the career opportunities they will provide.

Earlier this year, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission projected that Columbus's population would grow by a million residents by 2025. Hager discussed the infrastructure and development being planned to ensure the region can handle the influx of people. He explained how the area’s economic growth and the increase in significant work projects are creating more career opportunities for trade members and those looking to get into the trades.

Finally, Hager spoke about the many new signatory contractors who have opened offices in Central Ohio. The most recent contractor to move into the area is Hatzel and Buehler, Inc., the oldest International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers signatory contractor in the U.S. Hager discussed an open house the contractor recently held to showcase their new Columbus office, their work and their relationship with the IBEW. 

To hear more about Hager’s thoughts on the growth in Central Ohio, listen to the episode above.