CAF BUILD - BUILDING UP INDUSTRY LEADERS & DEVELOPMENT

The future of Northwest Indiana’s construction industry depends on developing the leaders who will guide it forward.

 

CAF BUILD (Building Up Industry Leaders & Development) is a leadership development program created by the Construction Advancement Foundation to help prepare the next generation of leaders in Northwest Indiana’s construction industry. Offered exclusively to CAF contributing contractors, the program is designed for individuals who demonstrate the potential to advance into leadership roles within their organizations.

Developing the Next Generation of Construction Leaders

Leadership in construction requires more than technical expertise. Tomorrow’s leaders need to understand the industry beyond their individual company or area of responsibility—including the organizations, relationships, workforce issues, economic forces, and public policies that influence construction throughout Northwest Indiana.

CAF BUILD gives emerging leaders an opportunity to broaden that perspective while developing the interpersonal and leadership skills needed to take the next step in their careers.

Through interactive programming and direct engagement with established leaders, participants will gain greater exposure to Northwest Indiana’s construction industry as well as the business, economic development, workforce development, and community organizations that help shape the region.

Educate. Connect. Develop. Lead.

Industry Knowledge

Develop a deeper understanding of Northwest Indiana’s construction industry, including the organizations, partnerships, and issues that influence how our industry operates.

Leadership Development

Strengthen the technical, interpersonal, and relational leadership skills necessary to effectively lead people, organizations, and projects.

Industry Connections

Build meaningful relationships with fellow participants and established leaders from construction, business, economic development, workforce development, and other sectors throughout Northwest Indiana.

Real-World Perspective

Learn directly from industry and regional leaders about the challenges, opportunities, and decisions shaping the future of construction and Northwest Indiana.

A Broader Understanding of the Construction Industry

CAF BUILD consists of six modules designed to expose participants to important areas affecting construction leadership. Program topics include:

• Understanding the Northwest Indiana Construction Industry
• Construction Workforce Development
• Legislative Advocacy
• Labor-Management Relations
• Economic Development and Regional Planning
• Construction Health and Safety

Rather than focusing on a single management discipline, CAF BUILD is intended to help participants see the bigger picture and how contractors, labor, workforce development, government, economic development, education, and other regional partners intersect with the construction industry.

Who Should Be Nominated?

CAF BUILD is intended for emerging leaders who have demonstrated leadership potential and who their organizations believe can grow into greater levels of responsibility, including future executive leadership.

Participants must be employed by a CAF contributing contractor, have at least five years of construction industry experience, be nominated by their employer, and have the support of senior management.

CAF contributing contractors are encouraged to think about the people within their organizations who have the ability, initiative, and potential to become part of the next generation of construction leadership in Northwest Indiana.

2026–2027 CAF BUILD Program

The inaugural CAF BUILD class will include up to 15 participants and six modules beginning in November 2026 and concluding in May 2027. Graduates will be recognized during the CAF & NWIBRT Awards Banquet in May.

Program tuition is $750 per participant and includes programming, materials, food and beverages, as well as hotel accommodations for the Indianapolis module. 

 

Completed applications should be submitted by email to Tabitha Refbord at tabitha@cafnwin.org