We’ve learned many things since we first started dealing with the concept of developing tomorrow’s workforce of construction workers. The first lesson is the need to be involved. The construction industry cannot expect others to solve our problems.  No matter how well intentioned others are, they do not have the same vested interest in the problem, and hence the solution that members of the industry have. The second lesson is that construction leaders can provide a vision of what needs to be done and how it might be accomplished. And, the third lesson learned is that the construction industry needs other professionals to work with us to accomplish our goals.

These lessons have yielded significant benefits already. Our Construction Academies have been instrumental in reviving construction classes in many secondary schools. The industry has also been very involved in the development of a construction management program at the University through its participation in the initial planning and subsequent expansion of the program.

Working with other professionals in the construction industry, educators from around the state, government officials, and native leaders, the programs are constantly evolving to meet the needs of the industry.