Back to School
Construction industry firms are all in the same boat when it comes to hiring competent workers: there aren’t enough to go around. But some are also stepping up activities to introduce young people to construction careers, provide training and help students subsidize college if they choose that path.
One of those achieving high grades in workforce development is construction giant and Michigan Construction partner, Barton Malow. One of the largest employer of professional trade workers in Michigan, the company works on many levels to do its share.
A great example of Barton Malow’s workforce development contributions is the recent renovations at A. Phillip Randolph Career Technical Education Center, during which the company served as construction manager. The goal of the project is to rehabilitate and improve the structure to become a top professional construction trades training facility for students and adults seeking career opportunities.
The summer 2017 project included upgrades to the electrical systems, plumbing improvements, reconfiguration of several classrooms and open spaces, fresh paint throughout, ceiling tile replacement, new flooring, exterior brush and debris removal, and cement and concrete work.
Boot Camp
Another program is the Barton Malow Boot Camp, a six-week, employer-driven, pre-apprenticeship program launched in 2017. Boot Camp participants learn about the company and receive preparatory training for career opportunities in the following professional trades: heavy civil, concrete, steel, rigging, and interiors. The program includes a historic overview of the construction industry and culture; safety fundamentals including OSHA 10-hour construction training; financial literacy; soft skills training; apprentice career path information; and hands-on experience on a Barton Malow project.
Barton Malow partnered with the City of Detroit’s Grow Detroit’s Young Talent (GDYT) Program to identify candidates ages 17 to 24; Randolph Career Technical Education Center for construction site experience; and PNC Bank and Capacity Solutions for financial education and literacy training. Candidates who successfully completed the program were offered employment opportunities and apprentice sponsorships.
Expanding Training Capacity at Local 324
Barton Malow was recently awarded the Local 324 Operating Engineers Facility Expansion project. A world-class facility for training in the operating engineering trades including heavy equipment operator, civil and hoisting, heavy equipment technician, facility engineer, and HVAC technician. The expansion will include the addition of 4-6 classrooms, group instructional space, and construction of a storage facility with service bays. Construction began in fall 2017.
Scholarships
Barton Malow also offers several college scholarship opportunities including:
- The Ben C. Maibach Jr. Scholarship Fund with Associated General Contractors—$5,000 a year.
- The Barton Malow Scholarship at Ferris State for construction management students—$5,000-$8,000 a year.
- Proceeds from the Michigan State University golf outing are donated by the Barton Malow team to a MSU student—$14,000 in 2016.
- The Barton Malow Scholarship & Internship Award at Macomb Community College—$1,000 a year.
Barton Malow is doing their part in workforce development to encourage and train their future employees. What is your comany doing to build a better Michigan? Join the movement.
