News Summary
DPR Construction’s Build Up High School Internship program provides hands-on construction experience for high school juniors and seniors. Launched in 2017, the eight-week paid internship aims to foster diversity in the workforce and has welcomed 31 interns. The program has engaged over 160 students, with a focus on first-generation college students and addressing the gender gap. Interns gain exposure to construction management and essential skills while earning competitive wages, highlighting DPR’s commitment to inclusivity and skills development in the industry.
San Diego, CA – DPR Construction’s Build Up High School Internship program has gained recognition for providing high school students with hands-on experience in the construction industry, aiming to foster a diverse future workforce. As of 2025, the program welcomed 31 interns, showcasing a continued commitment to inclusivity and skill-building in this crucial sector.
The Build Up program, which was initiated in 2017, is designed as an eight-week paid internship for high school juniors and seniors. Interns receive exposure to various aspects of construction management including project planning, technology, and safety procedures on job sites. They earn competitive hourly wages while developing essential business and technical skills necessary for their future careers. The initiative has brought together over 160 students since its inception, showing significant engagement within the community.
Among the participants, notable statistics reveal that 22% have pursued further opportunities as college interns, with some securing full-time positions at DPR Construction. Nearly 75% of the interns are anticipated to become first-generation college students, underscoring the program’s focus on supporting students from low-income families, as defined by HUD standards. Furthermore, the initiative has made strides in addressing the gender gap in the construction workforce, with close to 50% of the interns being young women.
Interns in the Build Up program engage in a variety of learning experiences. They gain familiarity with advanced construction software and tools such as BIM 360, CMIC, HammerTech, and Primavera, which are standard in the industry. In addition, each intern is tasked with completing a final presentation that enhances their public speaking and project management skills, important components for success in professional settings.
DPR’s Community Initiatives Leader highlighted the program’s focus on fostering diversity in the construction sector, directly responding to the need for a more representative workforce. The internship not only equips students with technical skills but also addresses essential soft skills like communication and time management, which are critical in today’s job market.
The impact of the Build Up internship extends beyond skills training. It serves as a launchpad for aspiring construction professionals, building mentorship relationships and boosting confidence among participants. A prominent example of success is Selome Muruts, a former intern who transitioned into a college intern position and is now pursuing a degree in civil engineering, illustrating the program’s effectiveness in creating pathways for students
As DPR Construction continues to expand the Build Up program, its commitment to promoting education and inclusivity remains a key priority. The program not only mirrors the communities in which DPR operates but also aims to empower a future workforce equipped with the necessary skills and confidence to excel in the construction industry.
This initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to workforce development, ensuring that diverse talent can contribute valuable perspectives and expertise to the construction field. By equipping the next generation with both practical and theoretical knowledge, DPR Construction is making significant strides toward shaping a more equitable industry.
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