News Summary
Burns & McDonnell has opened a 14,000 sq ft Construction Academy in Pearland, Texas, to address skilled labor shortages in the construction industry. This facility combines online assessments with hands-on training for essential roles like electricians and boilermakers. Local leaders support the academy, believing it will boost workforce development and the local economy. With ongoing efforts and a planned skills assessment facility by 2026, the academy aims to meet the industry’s growing job demands and provide training for those seeking work in high-demand sectors.
Pearland, Texas – Burns & McDonnell Opens Construction Academy to Tackle Labor Shortage
Burns & McDonnell has officially launched a 14,000 square foot Construction Academy in Pearland, Texas, aimed at addressing the urgent demand for skilled workers in the construction industry. The facility, which opened its doors earlier this year, is expected to play a crucial role in training individuals for various essential roles including electricians, boilermakers, and other skilled crafts amid a nationwide labor shortage.
This initiative is spearheaded by Chad Whetro, the craft workforce development director at Burns & McDonnell. The academy has been established as a direct response to significant labor deficiencies facing the construction sector, which, according to reports from Associated Builders and Contractors, requires approximately 450,000 new workers this year alone to meet escalating demand.
The Construction Academy combines online knowledge assessments with hands-on training tailored to equip participants with necessary construction skills. In addition to the main academy, a mobile training unit will be deployed across the region and the country to expand training outreach and accessibility for aspiring craftspeople.
Since its opening, the academy has already seen a couple of hundred individuals participate in training programs. Burns & McDonnell has ambitious plans to substantially increase enrollment numbers in the coming years, aiming to prepare a workforce that can meet the industry’s anticipated growth, which may present over 500,000 job opportunities due to ongoing craft labor shortages.
Key industries that are actively seeking workers include oil and gas, solar power, electrical substations, and aviation fueling. The academy is designed to produce skilled workers for various critical construction roles such as pipefitters, electricians, carpenters, welders, and riggers, all vital for the successful functioning of these sectors.
To bolster the training efforts further, a permanent skills assessment facility simulating a real construction site is projected to be completed by 2026. This facility will enable more effective hands-on training and evaluation of participants, ensuring they are workforce-ready upon completion of their programs.
The opening of the Construction Academy has garnered enthusiastic support from local leaders, including the mayor of Pearland, who recognize the academy as a significant contributor to workforce development in the region. Local officials are optimistic that this initiative will not only provide necessary training but will also help stimulate the local economy by supplying skilled labor to in-demand industries.
In addition to the academy, an upcoming job fair hosted by ABC13 will offer a platform for job seekers to connect with potential employers in the construction sector. This event aims to facilitate direct recruitment and provide information on various employment opportunities available in the industry, further enhancing the job prospects for trainees at the academy.
The establishment of the Construction Academy is part of Burns & McDonnell’s broader strategy to become a leading provider of craft construction labor across the United States. By investing in workforce development, the company aims to tackle the current labor crisis while also shaping the future of the construction industry through the education and training of its workforce.
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Additional Resources
- ABC13: Pearland Company’s Construction Academy
- Burns & McDonnell: Opens Construction Academy
- Construction Dive: Houston Construction Academy
- Community Impact: Alvin ISD Trustees Approve Construction Contracts
- Google Search: Construction Academy
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