Business leaders from the Wilmington area construction sector met last week to launch the newly formed Cape Fear Construction Sector Partnership.

The business-led partnership aims to help the construction sector collectively tackle common challenges, said Rosemary Guendner, business engagement manager for the Cape Fear Workforce Development Board.

The construction sector partnership is the second industry group convened by the Workforce Development Board. The first, the Cape Fear Manufacturing Partnership, held its first meeting in late 2020. Since then, the group has established its own website, newsletter and bylaws.

The construction partnership held its first meeting on July 25 at Leland’s IRR, following several months of conversations between Guendner and business leaders across the sector. The Workforce Development Board serves New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender and Columbus counties, and, Guendner said, her conversations with construction industry leaders in the area often touched on common themes.

“There were needs and challenges, especially considering their workforce,” she said, “getting, retaining, training their workforce.”

Industry leaders also identified other common issues, including bringing awareness to employment opportunities in the construction field, changing the perception of the construction trade and unifying construction training so that employees have the skills to work on any job site, Guendner said.

Last week’s meeting drew 38 attendees, with 25 businesses represented along with those from local chambers of commerce, community colleges and economic development groups, according to Guendner.

The next step is assembling action teams focused on each of the challenges identified by the group. Once those teams form, community partners will be invited to work more closely with them to address the challenges. The ultimate goal is to help the sector partnership grow into its own entity.

“It’s born in the Workforce Development Board, and then (the businesses) take more ownership and run with it,” Guendner said.

While a date hasn’t been set for the next group meeting, Guendner said the partnership is open to more involvement from local businesses and the region’s superintendents and elected officials.

“The more community partners that are listening to the challenges,” she said, “the more communication and awareness and understanding.”