News Summary
Burns & McDonnell has opened a new 14,000 square foot Construction Academy in Pearland, Texas, aimed at addressing the labor shortage in the construction industry. The academy will provide training for skilled roles such as electricians and pipefitters, responding to estimates that the industry needs around 450,000 new workers this year. With both online and hands-on training, the academy plans to equip individuals for a growing demand in various sectors. Local leaders support this initiative as vital for regional workforce development, and plans for a permanent training facility are underway.
Pearland, Texas – Burns & McDonnell Opens Construction Academy to Combat Labor Shortage
Burns & McDonnell has inaugurated a 14,000 square foot Construction Academy in Pearland, Texas, aiming to address the pressing labor shortages within the construction industry. The facility will focus on educating individuals for various skilled roles such as electricians, boilermakers, and pipefitters, which are critical to meeting the growing demands of the sector.
The academy has been launched in response to significant challenges in the job market, with Associated Builders and Contractors estimating that the construction industry needs approximately 450,000 new workers in this year alone. Chad Whetro, the craft workforce development director at Burns & McDonnell, spearheaded the initiative to bolster the workforce and ensure a steady supply of qualified labor in a time of escalating shortages.
The educational offerings at the Construction Academy will include both online knowledge assessments and practical, hands-on training sessions designed to equip individuals with essential construction skills. Additionally, a mobile training unit is set to accompany the academy, providing increased outreach capabilities to deliver training across the region and potentially nationwide.
Growing Demand for Skilled Labor
With an anticipated need for over 500,000 construction positions due to continued shortages, the academy’s mission is to bridge the gap for essential roles in various key industries. These include oil and gas, solar power, electrical substations, and aviation fueling. Responding to this demand, the academy aims to train skilled workers in critical trades such as carpentry, welding, and rigging.
Since its opening in 2023, the academy has successfully trained a couple of hundred individuals, and there are ambitious plans to significantly ramp up training numbers in upcoming years. Local leaders, including the mayor of Pearland, have voiced their support for the academy and its contributions to regional workforce development, recognizing the importance of skilled labor for economic growth.
Future Developments
Looking ahead, Burns & McDonnell plans to establish a permanent hands-on skills assessment facility that will simulate an actual construction site. This facility is expected to be completed by 2026, further enhancing the training programs available at the academy.
The Construction Academy is part of Burns & McDonnell’s broader strategy to emerge as a leading provider of craft construction labor across the United States. This initiative not only aims to prepare a new generation of skilled workers but also addresses a critical need for qualified labor in an evolving construction landscape.
Job Opportunities
To bolster employment opportunities, an upcoming job fair hosted by ABC13 will facilitate connections between job seekers and potential employers in the construction sector. This event will further contribute to addressing labor shortages by allowing individuals to engage directly with companies in need of skilled labor.
The launch of the Burns & McDonnell Construction Academy represents a proactive approach to tackling the skills gap in the construction industry, providing training and education that align with real-world demands. As the academy continues to develop, it hopes to play a pivotal role in creating a robust construction workforce that can meet the needs of tomorrow.
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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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