Summit's fundamental belief is that the best social service program in the world is providing a living wage job, which is why the intent of all training programs is career placement in a secure position. To accomplish its goals, SAOIC has established three strategies. The first is to prepare adults for the world of work. Through SAOIC, students have access to training programs in high-growth industries, as well as support services and counseling that teach the soft skills needed to succeed in the workplace. The second strategy is to prepare young people for their roles as responsible adults. Finally, the third strategy is to connect workers with employers, which is where construction contractors fit in to the equation. If there is anything worse than being untrained and unemployed, Summit officials believe it is being trained and unemployed. To that end, SAOIC partners with local employers to establish mutually beneficial partnerships where job vacancies are filled with qualified workers.

Just over a year ago, Veit partnered with Summit Academy to create a heavy construction laborer training program. The program runs for twenty weeks and consists of a two-phase pre-apprentice curriculum. The first ten weeks is carpentry training, followed by ten weeks of construction training including advanced carpentry; 40-hour HAZWOPER certification; OSHA 10-hour construction industry outreach training; basics of heavy equipment; maintenance, grading and field staking; basic construction math and an introduction to specialty contracting services.

In addition to construction skills training, SAOIC students learn interpersonal communication skills, work etiquette, goal-setting, career research and interviewing skills. Summit is known for creating strong work ethic, confidence and graduates with a can-do attitude. Considering the unique group of students that SAOIC attracts, this soft skills training is often the differentiating factor, equipping individuals with the drive and ability to support themselves and contribute to the community.

Veit supplies instructors and equipment for several courses during the construction training phase of the curriculum. During this time, instructors determine which students might be qualified for an entry-level position with the company and, upon successful completion of the requirements, select candidates to interview. The partnership has created a feeder system that accomplishes Veit's goals of hiring qualified and diverse workers and SAOIC's goal of providing job opportunities to its students.

Prior to attending SAOIC, the average student earned only $6,200 per year. After completing Summit Academy programs, graduates generally earn $25,000 or more per year. What's more, graduates of the heavy construction laborer program can obtain journeyman level in as little as four years, increasing yearly earning potential significantly.

Progressing into its second year now, the Veit-Summit Academy partnership has produced two classes of graduates, with a third on its way. Veit has hired a handful of those graduates who are now at work at a variety of Veit's jobsites, including the University of Minnesota's TCF Bank Stadium. Additionally, Louis King, the Summit Academy CEO, has negotiated contracts with the Minnesota Ballpark Authority and other area contractors to provide workforce development and employment opportunities for qualified workers upon successful completion of the course requirements.

National Trends

Elements of SAOIC's program are currently being mirrored on a national level, as higher education programs take notice of the need for qualified construction workers. San Diego State University recently opened a construction program attracting 120 first-year students. Purdue University has added a demolition sub-minor in the School of Construction Management with the help of the National Demolition Association (NDA). Similar to the Veit program, the NDA provides teaching materials and members assist with instruction. The NDA is also exploring the possibility of establishing similar programs at the University of Houston, Arizona State, Cal Poly-Pomona and Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, Virginia Tech and North Carolina State.

The worker shortage crisis will not correct itself. Efforts need to be directed toward boosting the construction industry's image and attracting a fresh workforce. Veit's partnership with SAOIC is just one local example that can serve as a model for similar programs. If the success of the first few sessions is any indicator, the program paints a bright future for the construction industry as well as communities in desperate need of opportunities for its residents.

Chuck Geisler is director of sales and marketing with Veit, a specialty contracting and waste management company based in Rogers, MN. Veit offers comprehensive services to general contractors and customers in private industry, municipalities and local government. For more information, call 763.428.2242 or visit www.veitusa.com.  

Tags: 2008 April Issue, hiring, human resources, training,

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