Associated Builders and Contractors 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 67 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 live and work.

For nearly 75 years, ABC has been the leading voice promoting the merit shop philosophy in construction. ABC members are champions of free enterprise and open competition committed to delivering high-quality, safe construction projects awarded to the most qualified bidder based on merit, not mandates or political favoritism. More than 89% of the U.S. construction workforce has freely chosen not to join a union.

ABC-NJ members enjoy benefits and services, including: 

• Apprenticeship and craft training programs - With a construction apprenticeship at ABC New Jersey, you start with a job and build a career. Simply put, a contractor hires you, and then you enroll in ABC New Jersey’s AETF Apprenticeship Program. Over the next two to four years, you will learn everything you need — through in-class and on-the-job training — to strive in all aspects of your chosen trade. Currently, ABC New Jersey offers apprenticeships in more than 20 US-DOL-approved programs. Learn more and start your career now.
• Political support and advocacy - For more than 70 years, ABC has been the leading voice promoting the merit shop philosophy in construction. ABC members are champions of free enterprise and open competition committed to delivering high-quality, safe construction
  projects awarded to the most qualified bidder based on merit, not mandates or political favoritism.
• Promotion of free enterprise in the construction industry - Representing more than 23,000 members of the construction and trade industry across the United States, Associated Builders and Contractors is more than just an association. We work for our members to provide them with the etools they need to successfully implement the merit shop philosophy, and provide safe and ethical work.
• Workplace safety and training - ABC-NJ provides access to safety and training resources and industry best practices developed and pioneered by world-class ABC members. We offer in-person and online training in safety and other key concepts through our construction CORE training and ongoing evaluation and recognition through our Safety, Training and Evaluation Process (STEP) program.
• Excellent networking and business development opportunities - One of the many benefits of ABC New Jersey membership is the ability to connect with and be visible to key industry players in the state and around the nation. Our members also get access to local ABC-NJ events such as awards ceremonies, seminars, webinars, and leadership and certification courses held throughout the year.
• Member discounts - Business essentials like insurance and software to great deals on everyday purchases are offered through the online ABC Marketplace. The resource features more than 20,000 participating merchants, and a typical contractor with 15 employees could save thousands of dollars each year by taking advantage of ABC member discounts. Employee discounts are also available. In 2023, ABC members saved $31 million through company and employee discounts.