News Summary
In Pearland, Texas, Burns & McDonnell has launched a new Construction Academy aimed at combating the skilled worker shortage in the construction industry. The 14,000-square-foot facility will provide training for various essential construction roles and includes a mobile training unit to serve broader regions. With a projected national need for 450,000 new workers, this academy aims to bridge critical labor gaps and support economic growth through comprehensive training programs and community engagement.
Pearland, Texas — Burns & McDonnell Launches Construction Academy to Tackle Skilled Worker Shortage
The city of Pearland, Texas, has become the site of a new initiative aimed at addressing a growing shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry. Burns & McDonnell has opened a 14,000-square-foot Construction Academy this year, designed to train and prepare individuals for vital roles within the sector.
Addressing a Critical Workforce Gap
The construction sector faces a significant labor shortage, with industry reports indicating a need for approximately 450,000 new workers nationwide in the current year alone. This gap has led to increased efforts to develop a sustainable pipeline of skilled labor, and the Pearland academy is a key part of that strategy. Since opening, the academy has trained a few hundred individuals in 2023, with plans to expand enrollment substantially in the coming years.
Training Programs and Facilities
The academy offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes both online knowledge assessments and hands-on training in essential construction skills. Its focus is on preparing workers for roles such as electricians, boilermakers, pipefitters, welders, carpenters, and riggers. A unique feature is the accompanying mobile training unit, which enables the academy to deliver education across the broader region and nationally, reaching communities beyond Pearland.
Furthermore, Burns & McDonnell plans to complete a permanent hands-on skills assessment facility by 2026. This facility will simulate a real construction site, providing trainees with practical experience necessary for their careers.
Industry Demand and Future Opportunities
Industry data underscores the urgent need for skilled workers, particularly in areas including oil and gas, solar power, electrical substations, and aviation fueling. The company anticipates that over 500,000 opportunities will arise in the construction industry due to ongoing labor shortages, highlighting the importance of initiatives like the Pearland academy.
Community and Industry Support
Local leaders, including Pearland’s mayor, have expressed support for the new academy, recognizing its role in workforce development and economic growth within the region. Additionally, a forthcoming job fair hosted by ABC13 will offer a platform for job seekers to connect directly with potential employers in the construction sector, further facilitating employment opportunities.
Broader Corporate Strategy
The launch of the Pearland Construction Academy aligns with Burns & McDonnell’s broader plan to become a leader in providing craft construction labor across the United States. By investing in workforce development, the company aims to fill critical labor gaps and support the ongoing growth of the construction industry nationwide.
As the construction sector continues to expand, the initiative in Pearland represents a significant step toward cultivating a skilled workforce capable of meeting industry demands now and in the future.
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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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