“The construction industry must immediately address three critical challenges, with the first being the urgent shortage of skilled labor across nearly every trade,” said Joseph Vig, CEO of JS Vig Construction Company in Metro Detroit. “Second is the need to integrate AI into a seamless, collaborative process of design-permitting-construction. And the third is the demand for smart building systems and technicians who can improve the performance, data intelligence and adaptability of the built environment.”

The program, which is offered by the Tishman Construction Management Program (TCMP) through the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, will support students who have completed their undergraduate studies as well as seasoned industry professionals who have an interest in architecture, engineering, and construction.

The online program will complement the existing residential Master of Science and Engineering degree in construction and engineering management, which was been offered since 1954, notably the first of its kind in the United States.

Students on a full-time schedule can complete the degree in eight months, whereas it will take part-time students up to five years to complete the 26-credit online program. They also have the option of starting with the program’s stackable online Construction Engineering & Management certificate, which allows them to complete up to six credits before formally applying to the master’s program. Once completed, those credits can count toward the degree, saving student both time and money.

Applications for the Fall 2026 term close on June 15.

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40 professionals aged 40 and under will be honoured for their work influencing projects, teams, and processes—from jobsites and fabrication floors to engineering and design—at the only event where the metal construction industry comes together to make decisions, build partnerships, and shape what’s next.

“The program spotlights professionals who are already making an impact across the metal construction industry while also representing its next generation of leadership,” said Judy Geller, Vice President of Trade Shows for PSMJ Resources, Inc., producers of METALCON. “These are individuals driving projects forward, improving how work gets done and helping shape where the industry is headed.”

Nominations are now open and can be submitted via the online nomination form by the July 21, 2026 deadline. Honourees will be selected by a cross-industry panel based on achievement, leadership, innovation, and overall impact.

“As METALCON marks its 35^th anniversary, this program is about elevating the people who are actively shaping the industry’s direction,” continued Geller. “40 Under 40 puts their work—and their impact—front and center where the industry comes together.”

Selected honourees will receive industry-wide recognition, including a featured profile on METALCON.com, promotion through email, social media, and trade publications, and recognition onsite at METALCON 2026, taking place October 7–9, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Honourees will also be invited to a Future Leaders networking reception.

Eligible nominees must be 40 years of age or younger and actively working in or contributing to the metal construction industry. Candidates may be nominated by peers, managers, employees, or other industry professionals, or may self-nominate with an external reference.

The program aims to elevate the professionals who are driving innovation, improving processes, and leading teams across the industry today—those helping define how the industry continues to evolve.

Honourees will be announced in September and formally recognized during METALCON 2026. For more information or to complete a nomination form, visit www.metalcon.com.

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Crude petroleum increased 11.3 percent, unprocessed energy materials were up 9.2 percent, and natural gas prices were up 4.9 percent for the month.

“Construction input prices surged again in April,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “Input prices have now risen more during the first four months of 2026 (6.2%) than over the prior three years (4.8%). While much of the recent rise can be traced to soaring oil prices, escalation was widespread in April, with tariff-affected materials like iron and steel posting particularly large price increases.

“In addition to the direct impact of this reemerging materials price escalation, too-hot inflation data coupled with upbeat labor market indicators suggest that the Federal Reserve is unlikely to cut rates this year,” said Basu. “While contractors remain busy, according to ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator, these cost pressures will likely weigh on construction activity over the coming months.”

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