US engineering giant Bechtel has launched the “Build for More” campaign to encourage students into the skilled trades in Wyoming, while investing $1 million in two community colleges in the state. This initiative comes as a strategic move to address the growing skills gap in the construction industry and to foster a future-ready workforce.
What Happened
Bechtel's “Build for More” campaign aims to bridge the gap between the high value adults place on trade careers and the low interest shown by high school students in Wyoming. The company commissioned a study revealing that while 89% of adults in Wyoming appreciate skilled trades, only 47% of high school students have considered it as a career path, and a mere 20% plan to enter a trade, vocational, or apprenticeship program post-graduation. In response, Bechtel's $1 million investment will enhance the educational pathways at Laramie County Community College and Western Wyoming College, focusing on expanding training in electrical and pipefitting disciplines. This funding will also boost faculty, equipment, and training capacity, ensuring that the colleges can provide high-quality, hands-on training.
Dr. Kirk Young, the president of Western Wyoming College, emphasized the importance of this partnership in bringing training closer to communities, thereby enabling more Wyoming residents to acquire valuable skills and build rewarding careers locally. Wyoming’s governor, Mark Gordon, hailed the initiative as a collaborative effort between industry, education, and government to meet the demand for skilled labor and create more career opportunities within the state.
What This Means for Your Business
For AECM professionals, Bechtel’s investment underscores the importance of developing a skilled workforce to sustain industry growth. By supporting educational institutions in training future tradespeople, companies can ensure a steady pipeline of qualified workers, crucial for meeting the demands of large-scale construction projects. This initiative not only helps fill the immediate talent gap but also enhances the long-term competitive positioning of firms that rely heavily on skilled labor. Furthermore, the investment in training infrastructure can potentially reduce recruitment costs and improve project execution timelines, impacting overall ROI positively.
What US Operators Should Watch
AECM stakeholders should monitor developments in similar educational investments and partnerships that align with federal and state initiatives aimed at workforce development. Keeping an eye on deadlines for grant applications or funding opportunities linked to workforce training can be advantageous. Operators should also track the progress of the “Build for More” campaign as a benchmark for how industry-education collaborations can effectively address skills shortages. Staying informed of these efforts will be vital for aligning business strategies with the evolving landscape of skilled labor supply.
Source: https://www.globalconstructionreview.com/bechtel-invests-1m-in-wyoming-community-colleges/. Read the original story ->
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