**For more information on advancing your career and gaining a Master Electrician License, contact Michael Wright at mwright@abcnjc.org**

Associated Builders and Contractors was founded in 1950 when seven contractors gathered in Baltimore, MD. to create an association based on the shared belief that construction projects should be awarded on merit to the most qualified and responsible low bidders. Their courage and dedication to the merit shop philosophy spread rapidly, and within time, ABC became the fastest-growing association in the United States.

Today, ABC is recognized as one of the leading organizations representing America’s business community and the U.S. construction industry. We look forward to welcoming each of you to our ABC family and to the home of merit shop excellence.

ABC-NJ members enjoy benefits and services, including: 

• Apprenticeship and craft training programs - ABC-NJ has partnered with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) to become the world leader in merit shop philosophy training and apprenticeship for the construction industry. With a nationwide shortage of skilled craft professionals, the NCCER has developed a construction-related curriculum to help fill the merging needs of the construction industry. 

  With a construction apprenticeship, you start with a job and build a career. Simply put, a contractor hires you, and then you enroll in the ABC New Jersey’s 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 19 US-DOL approved programs. Learn more and start your career now.

• Political support and advocacy - ABC-NJ is committed to delivering high quality, safe construction projects that are awarded to the most qualified bidder based on merit, not political favoritism. From 2009-2016, ABC prevented mandated project labor agreements on 99 percent of federal contracts exceeding $25 million, ensuring nearly $65 billion on contracts were subject to fair competition.
• Promotion of free enterprise in the construction industry - Representing more than 21,000 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 Associated Builders and Contractors 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, leadership and certification courses held throughout the year.
• Member discounts - The ABC delivered more than $35 million in savings to its members in 2019 through its exclusive discounts from local and national ABC partners. These exclusive prices apply to everything from vehicles and fuel to communications, delivery, payroll, materials and office supplies.