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Building the Future: How Turner Construction Invests in Workforce Development
Turner Construction Company Jobs play a vital role in tackling one of the most pressing challenges in the U.S. construction industry: the skilled labor shortage. With an aging workforce, limited exposure to construction careers among young individuals, and the continued underrepresentation of women and minorities, there is a growing need for sustainable talent pipelines. Turner Construction is actively addressing this issue through strategic hiring and workforce development initiatives designed to attract, train, and retain a more diverse and future-ready labor force.
To counter this, Turner Construction Company has taken a proactive and educational approach to recruitment by implementing strategic workforce development programs. These initiatives do more than fill open positions; they build future-ready workers while promoting inclusivity, education, and community involvement.
Key Workforce Development Initiatives at Turner Construction:
| Program / Initiative | Focus Area |
| Rutherford Works Teacher Externship | Early construction career exposure for students through teacher immersion |
| Girls Build It! Summer Program | Career introduction to young women in high school |
| Turner School of Construction Management (TSCM) | Supporting minority-owned construction businesses and technical skill building |
| Universally Empowered | Internal development network for women in construction |
Early Career Exposure Through Externship Programs
One of the most impactful Turner Construction Company jobs initiatives is its collaboration with the Rutherford Works Teacher Externship Program. This strategic partnership gives educators firsthand exposure to real-world project planning within the construction industry. When these educators return to their classrooms, they integrate construction-based learning into their teaching, helping students—starting as early as middle school—build awareness of career opportunities in construction and related fields.
The benefit is twofold: students gain exposure to construction trades before making career decisions, and Turner lays the foundation for a future construction workforce informed and inspired from a young age. These partnerships are key to combating the construction labor shortage by building a steady, educated talent pipeline.
Empowering Women Through Purpose-Driven Programs
Women have historically been underrepresented in construction, but Turner is actively working to change that through specialized outreach tied to Turner Construction Company jobs and career pathways. Programs like Girls Build It! introduce high school girls to opportunities in construction management, engineering, and skilled trades. In these inclusive environments, students gain confidence and are encouraged to explore roles that are often overlooked during traditional school career counseling.
In parallel, Turner runs Universally Empowered, a network supporting female leadership within the organization. By offering professional development workshops, mentorship opportunities, and leadership panels, this program strengthens female empowerment within the company culture.
Additionally, Turner Construction Company supports women entrepreneurs through the Turner School of Construction Management, which is also available to other underrepresented groups. The goal is clear: to promote diversity in construction by helping women and minority-owned construction businesses acquire critical business and project management skills, ultimately fostering a more inclusive workforce for Turner Construction Company jobs.
Long-Term Strategy to Address the Construction Labour Shortage
The national labor shortage in construction isn’t just a short-term issue; it’s a systemic challenge that requires long-term vision. Turner Construction is building that vision by initiating programs that engage students, support educators, and partner with local communities. Their commitment includes:
- Job shadowing opportunities for students
- Construction internships for women and other underrepresented groups
- Mentoring programs in construction industry environments
- Inclusion of Youth Construction Education in school curricula
These initiatives reduce barriers to entry and make construction jobs for students and non-traditional candidates more accessible. Programs like these not only prepare candidates with the technical skills training required but also offer a glimpse into real project planning and management.
Partnerships with Schools and the Community
Turner actively invests in educational outreach by forming strategic partnerships with schools and civic organizations. These collaborations align student learning with real-world construction needs. For example, through the externship program, educators from various academic disciplines observe Turner’s project workflows and take back insights to share with over 60 students annually.
This amplifies Turner’s message to the broader student population and encourages early interest in STEM careers, especially in fields related to construction. These actions reflect Turner’s dedication to community development and a supportive workplace environment.
Creating Inclusive Pipelines with Turner School of Construction Management
The Turner School of Construction Management (TSCM) is widely respected for training minority-owned construction businesses. It covers critical topics like:
- Project budgeting and estimating
- Risk management
- Financial literacy
- Business planning
Creating Inclusive Pipelines with Turner School of Construction ManagementBy equipping smaller firms with these tools, Turner enhances both economic viability and industry sustainability. These business owners not only gain insights but also form strategic business relationships that lead to future collaboration.
Inspiring the Next Generation Through Real-World Experience
Through hands-on learning, job shadowing, and construction site exposure, Turner helps students connect their skills to potential careers by showcasing the variety of Turner Construction Company jobs available. These programs are intentionally designed to demonstrate that a career in construction management is not only accessible and rewarding but also open to individuals regardless of gender or educational background.
Many youth today are unaware that careers that don’t need a degree but pay well exist within the trades. Turner communicates that through educational outreach and direct student engagement. This approach not only encourages recruiting young construction workers but also improves public understanding of what construction careers entail.
Supporting Female Leadership and Inclusion in the Industry
What does Turner Construction do for diversity?
Turner is deeply invested in building a workplace where women are not just includedbut thrive. Initiatives such as Universally Empowered offer regular internal networking and mentorship, while leadership panels give visibility to women leading successful construction projects.
The company’s diversity initiatives focus on breaking gender roles, opening doors for female leadership in construction, and ensuring long-term support through community and workplace networks.
Why These Programs Matter for the Future
Turner’s strategy goes beyond filling roles. The company is developing a sustainable and diverse workforce that reflects the communities it serves. Through programs like the externship partnership, Girls Build It!, and TSCM, Turner is effective:
- Promoting construction education programs in local schools
- Encouraging technical careers for underrepresented groups
- Investing in labor force training that addresses industry-wide challenges
By connecting classroom learning with career pathways, Turner ensures the construction industry remains robust, inclusive, and well-staffed.
Final Thoughts:
The challenge of staffing construction jobs today goes beyond filling vacancies; it requires a cultural shift, community investment, and educational outreach. Turner Construction Company demonstrates that a proactive, inclusive, and education-first approach can help resolve the construction labor shortage while offering meaningful careers to students, women, and underrepresented communities.
Through bold yet practical programs, Turner Construction jobs are becoming accessible to a broader population. The company is not only building physical structures but also reshaping the future of construction workforce development across the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Turner Construction Company doing to attract young people to construction?
Turner works directly with schools, offering teacher externship programs, youth education initiatives, and career exposure opportunities to help recruit young construction workers.
Are there programs for women interested in construction careers?
Yes. Programs like Girls Build It! and the Turner School of Construction Management provide construction career exposure for students and support for women in construction.
How does Turner support minority-owned construction firms?
Through the Turner School of Construction Management, minority entrepreneurs receive free training in project management, finance, and strategic planning.
Can students without a college degree find a career at Turner?
Absolutely. Turner promotes careers that don’t need a degree but pay well, especially in the skilled trades and site management roles.
What long-term impact do these programs have?
Turner aims to strengthen the entire industry by building pipelines of talent early and supporting construction industry initiatives that ensure sustainability and inclusivity.
