The NEW Construction Immersion Program serves youth across the state of Maine
Augusta, ME— August 22, 2023 — This past Friday afternoon, surrounded by family, the final group of students graduated from the 2023 Summer Construction Immersion Program at Bath Regional Technical School. Throughout the summer, 4 different groups of students completed the program in Biddeford, Brewer, Westbrook and Bath. Each program was a partnership between AGC Maine, a local Career and Technical Education Program, local workforce service providers and contractors, to give students valuable exposure to different career pathways within construction.
“We were absolutely honored to be one of the first to offer the program” said Kevin Napolillo, ELO Coordinator and Immersion Program Instructor at Brewer High School. “This program has had a profound impact on not just the student’s career paths, but their lives as a whole.”
The program, funded by a grant through the Maine Department of Labor is geared toward growing pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities in the State of Maine. AGC Maine, along with several partners worked together to bring the program to life in the summer of 2023. The student participants earned a $200 per week stipend while participating in the program, and graduated with several industry recognized credentials including OSHA 10, Construction First Aid & CPR, Rigger & Signal Person Training and some of the students received their NCCER Core Badge. Once training was complete, the students then spent several weeks with hands on jobsite experience though either construction activities on an active jobsite, or hands on training at their class location. The students learned how to assemble and disassemble concrete forms, wire an electrical outlet, run piping, operate heavy equipment, shoot grades, and much more. The program concluded with resume preparation, a class on money management, and guaranteed interviews with participating contractors. A total of over 100 students applied, with just over 50 ultimately joining and completing the program. Several of the students have received job offers due to their participation in the program.
AGC Maine is committed to expanding the Construction Immersion program within the youth population and to several adult populations in 2024. “This program is exactly what these kids need. My son loves the program so much, it is all he talks about. It has had a huge impact on him so far. Thank you to AGC Maine for doing this for the community.” said Jen Pardi, Mother of one of the Westbrook Students.
2024 youth and adult programs will be listed later this fall at buildingmaine.com, and an application link will be opened at that time. Requests for partnership from CTE Programs, Community Colleges and other host locations can be sent to team@agcmaine.org.
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Kelly Flagg