AURORA, Colo. (KDVR) — Right now, Colorado’s construction industry is facing a significant and growing labor shortage, according to the Associated Builders and Contractors of Rocky Mountain.
One local workforce program called BuildStrong Academy is helping to close that gap by opening doors for more people to get involved in the industry.
BuildStrong Academy, founded by local homebuilder Oakwood Homes, offers a series of innovative, industry-driven training programs – including construction, carpentry and electrical – that provide hands-on learning, job placement and mentoring for youth and adults as they build careers in construction and other trades.
Sandra Stevens made the transition three years ago from working in retail to becoming a full-time construction estimator.
After completing the hands-on free training at BuildStrong Academy Denver Campus, she launched her dreams, even being promoted twice in three years.
“It’s never too late to change careers,” said Stevens. “You’re stronger than you believe you are, and one brave step can change your life.”
Steven’s life changed three years ago after entering BuildStrong Academy.
“I work as a construction estimator,” she said. “What I do is I read blueprints. I estimate for materials and labor. I create takeout for material and labors for quantities and prices.”
As a 42-year-old single mother, Stevens entered a male-dominated field with no prior experience.
“I was very nervous. It was a little intimidating at first,” said Stevens. “I didn’t know if I was going to fit in. Or if I was going to be able to handle the technical side of it, but BuildStrong Academy helped me to prepare for the new career in my life.”
“Now, when women get into the field, they are seeing females in leadership roles,” said Kristin Davenport.
Davenport has been a career coach with BuildStrong Academy for five years.
She said the program is gaining momentum among women, with them making up 30% of the class sizes.
“It’s so rewarding to see them go from a brand-new student who doesn’t know what they want in construction. Nervous to use the hand tools. Nervous to use the power tools,” she said. “To see them get to a point where they have the confidence they got the job and they are working in construction. Another thing Buildstrong offers is we do a pop-up BootCamp, which we take out to a builder’s site.”
For Stevens, it’s all about inspiring the next generation, including her two daughters.
“If you’re stuck and feel like you don’t have anywhere to go. If you’re curious and life is not leading you anywhere. There’s always BuildStrong Academy,” said Stevens. “They are the launch pad that will help to change your life.”
The Buildstrong Academy’s Denver location is moving to the Community College of Aurora this August, with a ribbon cutting planned for October.
This move expands access to hands-on training programs so people can quickly launch careers in construction.
For more information about signing up, visit BuildStrong Academy’s website.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
