As Construction Career Collaborative (C3) celebrates the eight-year service anniversary of Director of Marketing, Development, and Operations, Diane Aguilar, the organization also reflects on the tremendous progress made since 2017 in strengthening Houston’s commercial construction workforce.
When Diane joined the organization, C3 had just 17 active projects. Today, that number has grown to 91, representing hundreds of employers and thousands of craft professionals working under the C3 principles of safety, skill, and sustainability. This measurable growth demonstrates not only the industry’s growing commitment to C3’s mission but also the organization’s success in developing a healthier, more professional construction workforce.
Expanding Workforce Development and Training
Since 2017, C3 has achieved major milestones that have redefined how training and workforce development are approached across the industry. One of the most impactful initiatives has been the launch of the Craft Training Endorsement Program, which provides companies with a structured framework to train, evaluate, and advance craft professionals.
This program has transformed how employers view workforce development, shifting it from a compliance activity to a business investment that strengthens safety, retention, and productivity. Through the Craft Training Endorsement, employers are now better equipped to build internal training systems that create long-term career pathways for craft workers, helping raise the bar for quality construction across the Greater Houston area.
Data-Driven Storytelling and Measurable Impact
In recent years, C3 has strengthened its ability to capture and use metrics to demonstrate the organization’s real-world impact. By tracking data on safety, training participation, and project-level outcomes, C3 can now show how its standards directly improve project quality, safety, and workforce stability.
This data-driven approach has allowed C3 to share success stories from projects like the Memorial Hermann Football Operations Center and the University of Houston Student Academic Building 2. Both projects reflect C3’s influence in action: measurable safety outcomes, consistent workforce engagement, and an elevated standard of professionalism on the jobsite.
These insights have empowered C3 to tell its story more effectively, proving that workforce development investments translate to stronger projects, more reliable teams, and safer worksites.
Strengthening Partnerships and Networking Opportunities
C3’s impact has also grown through collaboration and community engagement. The organization has expanded partnerships with nonprofits, trade associations, educational institutions, and contractors to reach a wider audience of current and future craft professionals. These partnerships have opened doors to construction careers in Houston by connecting training providers, employers, and job seekers in meaningful ways.
Networking opportunities have also flourished. In 2025 alone, C3 hosted its 15th Annual Golf Classic on October 21, one of its most successful fundraising and networking events to date. The following evening, on October 22, C3 joined forces with go2work for a Networking and Hiring Event at The Cannon West Houston. The event featured a panel discussion with:
- Elvia Quintanilla, Executive Director of Texas Technical Trade School
- Cheyenne Casey, HR Director at Enterprise Electrical
- Jake Guerrero, Cofounder & CEO of go2work
The conversation explored workforce readiness, hiring trends, and collaboration between training institutions and employers—continuing C3’s mission of connecting people, purpose, and opportunity.
Evolving Perception and Expanding Purpose
When C3 began its journey, some viewed the organization primarily as a compliance entity. Today, that perception has evolved. C3 is now recognized as a workforce development leader focused on people, safety, and professional growth. Through its programs, partnerships, and data insights, C3 helps employers build trust and accountability while empowering craft professionals to build lasting, fulfilling careers.
The organization’s work continues to redefine professionalism in the commercial construction workforce, showing that an investment in people leads to measurable improvements in safety, quality, and retention.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining a Culture of Growth
After eight years of steady progress, C3 continues to evolve as both a thought leader and an implementation partner for workforce development. The organization remains committed to advancing safety culture, improving training access, and fostering sustainable career pathways that will shape the future of the construction industry.
As C3 grows, so does its need for community support. Every donation helps C3 expand its reach, enhance its programs, and strengthen the workforce that builds our communities.
👉 Make a tax-deductible donation today at https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/44da97a6-453c-4ff9-912f-b9ee6b676711
