Construction Prep Center targets building trades

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The education effort is designed to create more skilled workers in the construction field|ret||ret||tab|

A new approach to the shortage of labor in the construction industry was unveiled in Wellston Jan. 10. |ret||ret||tab|

That's when classes began for the first 40 students of the Construction Prep Center, which is a collaborative effort of construction organizations and state agencies, according to a press release from the Missouri Department of Economic Development.|ret||ret||tab|

The curriculum of the center is designed to prepare St. Louis-area residents to enter trade apprenticeship programs and qualify for higher paying jobs, thus presenting a partial solution to the worker shortage in the region's construction trades.|ret||ret||tab|

State and local officials joined representatives from the construction trades to praise the Construction Prep Center.|ret||ret||tab|

The officials said the effort is "an innovative solution to problems both old and new" and as a "multiple win situation" for workers, the construction industry, area communities and the economy at large.|ret||ret||tab|

"With the construction of production facilities, highways, roads and bridges, and residential developments proceeding at a feverish pace, it is incumbent on us to provide a pool of skilled, ready workers to help create the infrastructure and the means of production necessary to sustain our growing economy," said Joseph L. Driskill, director of the Missouri DED, in the release. |ret||ret||tab|

"The Construction Prep Center helps us meet that objective," he added.|ret||ret||tab|

The CPC opened its doors and began accepting applications Nov. 1. |ret||ret||tab|

Participants will complete an eight-week course that will combine both in-class instruction and hands-on exposure to various tools, equipment and techniques most commonly used in the construction industry. |ret||ret||tab|

The curriculum will comprise four key elements. |ret||ret||tab|

Those elements are: building basic reading and math skills; work readiness skills; orientation and familiarization with the construction industry and trades; and trade exploration. |ret||ret||tab|

The subjects are taught through such methods as exposure to tools, construction techniques, safety and a multi-trade project to gain work experience.|ret||ret||tab|

"They will learn about the different trades and how to put their best foot forward," said Jim Henson, business manager of the Eastern Missouri Laborers' District Council.|ret||ret||tab|

"Investment in construction is growing, but the labor pool of trained workers is not," said Len Toenjes, executive vice president of Associated General Contractors of St. Louis. |ret||ret||tab|

"Right now we have a shortage of skilled workers," he added. "Attracting the ready, able and willing into the construction industry and trades will help alleviate this looming problem."|ret||ret||tab|

The center was established through the efforts of a regional coalition that dedicated resources and staff for the CPC, which is aimed to help solve both economic and social challenges in the region. |ret||ret||tab|

Members of the program include: MoKan; Associated General Contractors of St. Louis; the St. Louis Minority Contractors Association; the Eastern Missouri Laborers District Council; the East-West Gateway Coordinating Council; the Missouri Department of Transportation; St. Louis Community College; and the Missouri Department of Economic Development.|ret||ret||tab|

"Even with unemployment at or near all-time lows, we have residents in the St. Louis region, and across the state, who are chronically unemployed or underemployed," said Eddie Hasan, executive director for MoKan, a St. Louis-area minority contractors' organization. |ret||ret||tab|

"By setting realistic goals for the prep center and establishing cooperation, communication and commitment between public and private sectors, we have an opportunity to offer an innovative solution to problems both old and new."|ret||ret||tab|

The CPC will run five class cycles each year and anticipates 200 graduates annually. |ret||ret||tab|

Classes are held from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. |ret||ret||tab|

For more information about the construction training program, contact Edna Pipes at 314-862-2777, ext. 112. |ret||ret||tab|

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