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Construction has long been considered a men-only industry, but that stereotype is being eroded by a small but growing group of women. These are smart, dedicated and passionate women who have found construction to be the perfect career for them. They are making inroads for other women to follow, and they’re doing it because they are female, not in spite of it. If you have ever wondered what a career in construction would be like, take it from two women with the Michigan Department of Transportation — it’s a great life!

In northern Michigan, Team Elmer’s is practically a household name as one of the largest, oldest and most respected construction firms in the area. Providing excavation, concrete, Esphalt™, aggregate, heavy hauling, and crane and rigging services, Team Elmer’s makes a point of hiring great people who love their jobs.

That includes some pretty exceptional women who are driving hard (literally) to prove women have what it takes to make a career behind the wheel of a multi-ton construction vehicle.

Teaching is a tough job, and super rewarding, when given the right tools. Michigan Construction understands hard work and the need for the right equipment and we want to help! Last year, in partnership with many of our awesome partners, we gave away 10 Tonka size truckloads of elementary level construction books to deserving teachers across Michigan. The contest was so successful, that we're bringing it back this year! Elementary and preschool teachers can enter their classrooms for a chance to win a truckload of books by filling out the form on this page. Each winner will receive 10 books chosen specifically for their class level.  The following books are an example of the selection you may receive:

Michigan Construction frequently works with the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association (MITA) and their Director of Workforce Development, Ken Bertolini to help inform, advance and connect individuals to the opportunities that our industry has to offer.  We also work together in collaboration with other industry on programs including the Construction Science Expo, Michigan Construction Career Days, the Detroit Workforce of the Future.

Ken wrote a fantastic article about the importance of soft skills training for employers in the last issue of the MITA's Cross-Section Magazine this January 2019 that we wanted to share.  Check it out!

At Merlo Construction we pride ourselves on unparalleled quality workmanship and attention to detail. From our field specialists to our support personnel to our administrative staff, our experienced team of professionals brings their broad knowledge and innovative ideas to every project. In addition, we implement our proprietary workflow systems and efficient production methods to ensure projects stay on schedule and on budget.

As Michigan's weather changes over to winter, the snow beginning to fly, and the transportation construction season winds down, companies are in the process of forecasting their labor needs for the 2019 construction season. The recent reality continues to persist as construction companies review their workforce; we need more laborers in our industry and where do we find them?

Michigan Construction would like to welcome our newest partner, All State Crane and Rigging.  All State Crane and Rigging is one of Michigan’s premier crane, rigging and trucking companies.  Founded in West Michigan, but truly living up to the “All State” name with projects completed in every corner of the country.  They offer all types of exciting career opportunities.

There are a remarkable amount of benefits when researching a career in plumbing. In fact, the demand for this profession is incredibly high. Not only does it pays a good salary but the demand will never run out because people and businesses will always need professionals to fix their plumbing systems.

If you consider entering into the field of plumbing, Michigan Construction wants you to have a general idea of the variety of exciting plumbing related construction career paths that you can take. After all, each option requires different training that you should undergo before practicing your chosen vocation. In this article, we’ll discuss 7 different career paths in plumbing.

Creating ground-up programs to interest and train young people in construction trades is an enormous task, but one that is beginning to reap rewards. During the past year in Michigan, two programs have shown promise in helping the construction industry and the students learn how to train for a trade and create careers for a strong future.

Among the most important aspects of the programs was the participation and commitment by many Michigan Construction Partners. These companies and organizations recognize that their willingness to actively promote the programs, provide hands-on experiences, contribute their expertise, and ultimately provide jobs for graduates is key to success and to rebuilding the workforce.

READY. SET. BUILD! is an informational workforce expo that showcases the skilled trades throughout the construction industry. Job seekers will learn about the various trades through hands-on demonstrations and video presentations. Attendees will also meet union apprenticeship school directors and interact with contractors to learn the process for entering the construction industry. The Expo will provide information about job opportunities available during the construction of Bedrock developments including: the Hudson’s Site, Wayne County Criminal Justice Center and Monroe Blocks projects.