News Summary
Burns & McDonnell has launched a 14,000 square foot Construction Academy in Pearland, Texas. The facility aims to train workers for critical roles in the construction industry to combat skilled labor shortages. The initiative, led by Chad Whetro, will address the need for approximately 450,000 new workers this year. The academy combines online assessments with hands-on training and plans to expand training capacity, while also introducing a mobile training unit to reach more individuals. Local officials support the initiative as it contributes to workforce development and economic growth.
Pearland, Texas — Burns & McDonnell has opened a new 14,000 square foot Construction Academy in Pearland, Texas, aiming to tackle the pressing labor shortages in the construction industry. This state-of-the-art facility will train and educate future skilled workers in critical roles such as electricians, boilermakers, pipefitters, and welders.
The initiative was spearheaded by Chad Whetro, Burns & McDonnell’s craft workforce development director, and responds to a significant demand for skilled labor in the construction sector. According to the Associated Builders and Contractors, the construction industry requires approximately 450,000 new workers this year alone to keep pace with project demands.
The Construction Academy provides a blend of online knowledge assessments and practical, hands-on training designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills for construction careers. Alongside the academy, a mobile training unit will travel throughout the region and across the nation, offering accessible training opportunities to a larger audience.
Since its opening in 2023, hundreds of individuals have already benefited from the academy, with plans to expand training numbers significantly in coming years. Burns & McDonnell anticipates that due to ongoing labor shortages, there may be over 500,000 job opportunities within the industry in the near future.
Part of the academy’s comprehensive strategy includes the establishment of a permanent hands-on skills assessment facility, which will simulate a real construction site and is set to be completed by 2026. This facility aims to provide realistic training environments that will enhance the learning experience for students.
Local leaders, including various city officials in Pearland, have expressed strong support for the academy, recognizing its potential to foster workforce development and improve the local economy. Key industries highlighted as in need of skilled workers include oil and gas, solar energy, electrical substations, and aviation fueling.
As part of its ongoing efforts to connect new workers with job opportunities, Burns & McDonnell will participate in an upcoming job fair hosted by ABC13. This event will serve as a platform for job seekers to meet directly with potential employers in the construction industry.
The Construction Academy signifies Burns & McDonnell’s commitment to becoming a leading provider of craft construction labor in the United States, leveraging local resources and training methodologies to close the skill gap and empower individuals seeking careers in construction.
In summary, the Burns & McDonnell Construction Academy has emerged as a crucial component in addressing the skilled labor shortage within the construction industry. With a mix of modern training facilities, real-world assessments, and ongoing community support, the academy is positioned to make a meaningful impact on the workforce landscape in Texas and beyond.
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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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