Grainger donation addresses skills shortage in construction

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Manufacturing News, Source : The Manufacturer US
Published : 15 Jun 2007 14:08

Grainger, a leading North American distributor of facilities maintenance supplies, has donated $20,000 to the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC). The donation addresses two pressing challenges facing the construction industry in New York City: an immediate need for trained men and women to manage an increasing number of construction projects, and a projected shortage of entry-level employees in the construction industry at a time when the pace of construction in the city is accelerating.

“Grainger has a long tradition of supporting local communities, and we’re proud to help BMCC students as they contribute to growth and development of the New York City area and build a better future for themselves,” said Mark Hanna, Regional Sales Vice President, Grainger. “Grainger applauds BMCC’s efforts to help ensure that New York City continues to have an ample pool to meet the demand for workers in the skilled and technical trades.”

A portion of Grainger’s donation will be used to fund six scholarships for men and women participating in a new 120-hour Construction Project Scheduler Training Program at BMCC. The Program is a collaborative effort of the Lower Manhattan Construction Command Center, the Mayor's Commission on Construction Opportunities, and the Building Trades Association. The scholarships will pay the entire cost of tuition, texts, and related materials for these students, who would not be able to afford it on their own.

This program trains men and women with prior employment in the construction industry for scheduling positions, which can provide the necessary experience for them to advance to project management roles. The balance of the donation will be used to help fund the creation of a technical skills training program to train young people for entry-level administrative positions as project cost estimators (a role that leads to professional roles as superintendent or project manager).

“Borough of Manhattan Community College is thrilled to receive this generous donation from Grainger,” said Sunil Gupta, Dean, Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development, BMCC. “The funding will afford qualified candidates who otherwise would not have had the financial means [with] the opportunity to advance their careers. Grainger’s additional commitment to help fund the establishment of the skills-training program for construction project cost estimators will help the construction industry in New York City replenish its workforce for years to come.”

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