Several area high school students are getting on-the-job construction management experience this summer thanks to a partnership between McHenry County College (MCC) Workforce Development and the College’s Construction Management Advisory Committee.
Through the partnership, ten high school students are participating in a 10-week internship experience June 3 through August 9. During the internship, designated company mentors support each student as they explore the various career opportunities available in the construction management field. The student interns work up to 29 hours per week and earn $16 per hour.
“Through these high school internships, employers are playing a pivotal role in building the local workforce pipeline,” said Catherine Jones, Associate Vice President of Workforce Development at MCC. “They introduce students to real-world work experiences and teach employability skills.”
Interest in the construction internships exceeded the available positions, so the College added a four-day camp to allow more students to participate. The camp launched June 17 and welcomed 25 campers. During the week, students engaged in career exploration activities, learned about career opportunities from local employers, completed technical and employability skills training, and participated in industry tours.
Participants completed training in blueprint reading, workplace professionalism, and earned OSHA credentials for completing the 10-hour OSHA for Construction course. Afternoon activities included visits to Aldridge Electric and KBI Custom Case production facilities, a tour of the Foglia CATI work site, and a focus on adaptive reuse of existing buildings through visits to the Old Courthouse Center, University Center, and Emerson Lofts in Woodstock.
“The City of Woodstock thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to provide a tour of the newly renovated Old Courthouse Center to students attending the Construction Management camp,” said Christina Betz, Executive Director – Operations for the City of Woodstock. “It was delightful to witness such a large group of young individuals who were engaged and enthusiastic towards learning about such an important construction project for the city. We look forward to hosting again in the future to help students explore a career in construction management.”
Funding for both the internships and the camp was provided in part by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) Taking Back the Trades grant, which aims to provide access and strengthen pathways to careers in the trades for young adults.
The interns will be celebrated at a reception for them and their families August 9 at the College.
Construction Management is among the many skilled trade programs being offered at MCC’s new Foglia Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation (CATI) this fall. Learn more about CATI programs here.