AGC MA welcomed 14 educators and workforce professionals from across Massachusetts for the sixth annual Building Advancement Externship (BAE), held August 3–7, 2026. The week-long professional development program gave participants an inside look at today’s commercial construction industry and the wide range of career pathways available to their students.

Throughout the week, participants stepped outside the classroom and into active jobsites, contractor offices, apprenticeship training centers, and higher education settings. Through hands-on experiences and conversations with industry professionals, educators explored construction management, artificial intelligence and emerging technology, apprenticeship pathways, healthy buildings, sustainability, decarbonization, workforce development, leadership, project delivery, and clean energy careers.

This year’s program placed an added emphasis on sustainability, innovation, wellness, and preparing students for the future of construction. By experiencing the industry firsthand, participants gained knowledge and connections they can bring back to their schools and communities as they help students consider their next steps after graduation.

“The Building Advancement Externship gives educators the knowledge, relationships, and firsthand experiences they need to introduce students to the incredible opportunities available throughout the construction industry,” said John Ferrante, CEO of AGC MA. “Each year, our members generously open their doors to show educators how today’s construction industry is embracing innovation, sustainability, and emerging technologies while creating rewarding career pathways for the next generation of the workforce.”

The 2026 Building Advancement Externship welcomed:
Stephanie Kirsch – Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School District
Jill Curry – Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School High School
Mary Ellison – Madison Park Technical Vocational High School
Erica Wilson – Boston Green Academy
Bernadette Sullivan – Brockton High School
Sarah Weintraub – Algonquin Regional High School
Timothy Lizotte – Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School
Darius Smith – YouthBuild Boston
James Connolly – Walpole High School
Dan Goldsbury – Ruth Batson Academy
Seth Hosking – Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School
Al Amaral – Old Colony R.V.T.H.S.
Aren Scanlan-Emigh – Narragansett Regional High School
Ashley Mansfield – Dedham High School

The program would not be possible without the involvement of AGC MA members and industry partners who opened their doors, shared their expertise, and helped participants see the industry in action.

The 2026 BAE was supported and presented by BOND Building Construction, Colantonio Inc., Columbia Construction Company, Consigli Construction Co., Dimeo Construction Company, Erland Construction, Fontaine Bros., North Atlantic Regional Council of Carpenters, Turner Construction Company, and Walsh Brothers, with additional support from Quinsigamond Community College, AGC MA’s Building Women in Construction Committee, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), AGC Student Chapters, and numerous education and workforce development partners.

Now in its sixth year, the Building Advancement Externship continues to strengthen the connection between Massachusetts educators and the commercial construction industry. By giving those who guide students a firsthand understanding of today’s industry, AGC MA and its members are helping build awareness of the many rewarding careers available in construction—and inspiring the next generation of the Commonwealth’s workforce.

Learn more about the Building Advancement Externship here.