Featured Workforce articles
blog
Insights on labor trends, safety practices, compliance, the evolving needs of the mining, cement, and industrial sectors, and more!
New Hiring Reforms Aim to Make California State Jobs Easier to Access
California is modernizing its hiring process with a series of reforms designed to make applying for state jobs faster and less complicated. State officials estimate the changes will save more than...
California Minimum Wage to Increase in 2027
California employers and employees should prepare for another statewide minimum wage increase that will take effect on January 1, 2027. Under the new rate, the state's minimum wage will increase...
From Entry Level to Leadership: Building a Career That Moves Forward
When people think about advancing their careers, they often focus on gaining technical skills, earning certifications, or accumulating years of experience. Those things matter, especially in...
Passive Dust Control: A Smarter Approach to Cleaner, Safer Conveyor Systems
Managing dust at conveyor transfer points remains one of the biggest operational challenges in bulk material handling. Whether moving aggregates, cement, minerals, recycled materials, or...
New DOE Initiative Accelerates Critical Materials Manufacturing in the U.S.
The United States is taking another major step toward strengthening its domestic supply chain for critical minerals and advanced manufacturing materials. A newly launched initiative led by Argonne...
How AI and Automation Are Shaping the Future of America’s Mining Industry
The U.S. mining industry is entering a new phase of innovation as federal agencies work together to modernize operations, strengthen domestic mineral production, and improve worker safety. A...
World Cement Association Marks 10 Years of Industry Collaboration and Innovation
The World Cement Association (WCA) recently celebrated a major milestone during its 9th General Assembly, bringing together member organizations from around the world to reflect on the past year,...
Building a Strong Safety Culture Through Industry Collaboration
In heavy industry, safety is more than a regulatory requirement—it's a shared responsibility that protects employees, strengthens operations, and supports long-term business success. Across sectors...
Energy Efficiency Is Driving a More Sustainable Future for Cement Manufacturing
As the cement industry continues to reduce its environmental footprint, improving energy efficiency has become one of the most effective ways manufacturers can lower emissions while strengthening...
Heavy Metal Summer Experience: Introducing the Next Generation to Careers in the Skilled Trades
For many high school students, career planning often centers around one message: attend a four-year college. But as the demand for skilled trades professionals continues to grow, programs like the...
Why Modern Cement Plants Use Multiple Preheater Cyclones
Take a look at the towering structures above a cement kiln, and you'll notice a series of large cyclone vessels stacked one above another. While they may appear repetitive, each cyclone serves a...
Skilled Trades Are Among the Safest Careers in the Age of AI
Artificial intelligence is reshaping many industries, but its impact varies significantly by occupation. While AI is increasingly automating routine administrative and analytical tasks, careers that...
California’s Gold Industry Sees Renewed Investment as Mining Activity Expands
Rising gold prices and renewed interest in domestic mineral production are breathing new life into California's historic mining industry, creating fresh opportunities for investment, workforce...
PASOS Program Helps Build Career Skills and Financial Success
Finding a job is only the beginning of building a successful career. Long-term success often depends on developing workplace skills, financial confidence, and a clear plan for the future—goals that...
California Introduces Digital Career Passport for Job Seekers
California is taking a new approach to workforce development with the introduction of Career Passport, a digital platform designed to help job seekers showcase the skills and experience they've...
Skilled Trades Continue to Offer Some of the Strongest Career Opportunities in 2026
Demand for skilled trades professionals continues to rise as industries across the country work to replace retiring workers while meeting the needs of expanding infrastructure, manufacturing,...
U.S. Invests $75 Million to Expand Domestic Critical Minerals Production
The U.S. Department of Energy is continuing its push to strengthen the nation's critical minerals supply chain with a $75 million investment in five pilot-scale projects focused on recovering...
California Leads the Nation in Productivity and Job Growth
California continues to strengthen its position as the nation's economic leader, with new federal data showing the state posted some of the strongest workforce productivity gains in the country...
New ACA Awards Celebrate Excellence in Modern Construction
As the construction industry continues to adopt more environmentally responsible practices, the American Cement Association (ACA) has launched a new awards program to recognize projects that are...
California Launches AI Workforce Tracker to Monitor Employment Trends
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, California is taking a proactive approach to understanding its impact on the workforce. Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced the...
Labor Market Shows Signs of Acceleration in 2026
Recent labor market data points to continued strength in the U.S. economy, with employers adding 172,000 jobs in May and previous months receiving upward revisions that added another 93,000 jobs to...




















