Construye-DC: Latinos Thriving in Construction Initiative
- Written by Jose Sueiro
Employment of construction laborers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2014 to 2024, according to a 2015 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Add to this that DC is experiencing the most - construction activity in more than five decades according to the Washington, DC Economic Partnership.
Employment of construction laborers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2014 to 2024, according to a 2015 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Add to this that DC is experiencing the most - construction activity in more than five decades according to the Washington, DC Economic Partnership.
To address growing needs in the industry and to build the capacity of its Latino workers, the Carlos Rosario School, the nation’s first charter school for adult immigrants, is partnering with the Metro DC Hispanic Contractors Association (MDCHCA), Turner Construction, the Latino Safety Professionals Association (LSP) and the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development.
The five-month pilot initiative Construye-DC: Latinos Thriving in Construction seeks to build the capacity of Latinos to thrive in the construction industry. Latinos play an important role in the industry’s workforce and growth. In 2016, they represented 28.9% of the construction workforce nationally, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The initiative aims to support Latinos in construction so they may attain industry certifications, achieve promotions, and take their business operations to the next level.
As part of Construye-DC, the Carlos Rosario School will host a series of workshops and trainings led by industry leaders in the areas of safety, entrepreneurship, management, business development, and more. Among them is business partner Turner Construction, which has been preparing leaders in the construction industry for more than 24 years. For the first time, the company is translating its curriculum into Spanish, a four-session training that ends with certification.
Below is a breakdown of events happening at the Carlos Rosario School between June and November 2017.
Carlos Rosario School CEO Allison Kokkoros said, “As a long-standing immigrant serving school and a community hub, we are proud to be part of the Construye-DC initiative. The series of trainings is paving the way for our Latino students and community members working in the construction field to grow and prosper.”
“Safety in Construction” OSHA 10 Training
July 24-27, 6:30pm – 9pm
This Occupational Safety & Health Administration training provides an overview of hazards in a construction site and safety and health provisions.
Turner School of Construction Management
September 12-October 3, Weekly, 6:00pm-9:00pm
This four session bilingual (English/Spanish) pilot for the Turner School of Construction Management will cover basic concepts such as bonding, workman's compensation and sealed bids.
Construction Expo
October 2017
The final activity of this integrated construction partnership is a Construction Expo that will include live stage presentations, booths and workforce development information.
For more information contact Raul Medrano, Manager, Small Business & Entrepreneurship , Carlos Rosario School, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 202-797-4700 ext.235 or Jose Sueiro, Managing Director, Metro DC Hispanic Contractors Association, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 202-203-0120.
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About the Partners
Founded in 1970, the Carlos Rosario School provides education that transforms individuals, families and communities to more than 2,500 Washington, DC immigrants each year. The School’s award-winning model for adult education includes foundational courses in ESL, GED, technology essentials, citizenship, small business and career certification programs.
The Metro DC Hispanic Contractors Association is a not for profit membership organization, created to support the advancement of the Hispanic Construction Community by facilitating the tools and information to ensure the success among Immigrant & Hispanic owned construction businesses in the Washington DC area.
Turner is a North America-based, international construction services company and is a leading builder in diverse market segments. The company has earned recognition for undertaking large, complex projects, fostering innovation, embracing emerging technologies, and making a difference for their clients, employees and community.
The Turner School of Construction Management for small, women-owned and minority-owned businesses is the oldest community outreach program in Turner’s history. Initiated in 1969, the program has since become an opportunity to develop strategic business relationships with minority and women-owned firms. Today, the Turner School of Construction Management is offered in more than 30 of Turner’s offices nationwide.
Latino Safety Professionals Association
The Latino Safety Professionals is an organization that promotes the advancement of workplace safety-related practices that helps reduce injury and illness of the Hispanic workforce. Our mission is to deliver professional development and workers’ safety training for Hispanic workers in their native language. Through partnerships and alliances with employers, labor groups and community based organizations, the Latino Safety Professionals strives to reduce debilitating workplace injury and illnesses.
The DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) supports the development, economic growth, and retention of District-based businesses, and promotes economic development throughout the District's commercial corridors.