Job Corps aims to connect students with construction jobs

Construction contractors from various industries got a first-hand look Thursday at the skills local students are learning, including electrical, carpentry and facilities maintenance.

The contractors toured the Home Building Institute program at the Fred G. Acosta Job Corps Center.

As instructors explained how the students are taught, they repeatedly pointed out that the program is designed to be flexible to specific skills employers want from future workers.

“It’s all about getting you guys what you want,” said John Gallagher, HVAC instructor.

Aside from showcasing the detailed training in heating and air conditioner maintenance and intricate electrical wiring, the instructors said soft skills are an emphasis of the program.

“Manners and punctuality are stressed,” said Doc Roback, a building construction technology instructor.

He said the visit from the contractors, coordinated by the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association, will help shape the instruction so students get relevant training.

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“This tie-in is critical because we need to know what skills are needed in the field,” Roback said.

The building institute graduates between 15 and 25 students a year.

Students aged 16 to 24 are accepted into the program and placed in internships with builders in four- to six-week intervals so they understand the worksite experience, Gallagher said.

Aside from internships, students earn work-based learning credits by volunteering for community service projects related to their career field or working on campus projects to improve the Job Corps campus.

The goal of the meet-and-greet was two-fold, said Amy McReynolds, chair of the SAHBA board: supporting the program by promoting it within the schools “so we have a constant source of labor” and encouraging contractors to offer internships to these students “to help create relationships for those kids.”

David Godlewski, SAHBA president, said awareness of this program by homebuilders and their contractors can help them help themselves.

“It’s an opportunity for our members to play a role in elevating the community by employing these students,” he said. “They, in turn, will become the homebuyers.”