Pearland, Texas, September 17, 2025
News Summary
Burns & McDonnell has launched a 14,000 square foot Construction Academy in Pearland, Texas, to address labor shortages in the construction industry. The academy will offer specialized training for key roles like electricians and boilermakers, leveraging both online assessments and hands-on training. With an increasing demand for skilled labor, this initiative aims to prepare the workforce for over 500,000 job opportunities anticipated in the sector, while also enhancing education accessibility with a mobile training unit.
Pearland, Texas
Burns & McDonnell has officially launched a 14,000 square foot Construction Academy in Pearland, Texas, aimed at tackling the ongoing labor shortages in the construction industry. The academy will provide specialized education and training for individuals aspiring to join critical roles such as electricians, boilermakers, and other skilled craft positions.
This initiative, spearheaded by Chad Whetro, the craft workforce development director at Burns & McDonnell, comes in response to pressing demands within the construction sector. As construction projects ramp up, the need for skilled labor continues to soar. Reports from the Associated Builders and Contractors indicate that the industry is grappling with a shortage of approximately 450,000 new workers this year alone to meet the increasing demand.
The Construction Academy will feature a dual approach to education, offering both online knowledge assessments and practical, hands-on training to cultivate necessary construction skills. To extend its reach, the academy will also operate a mobile training unit, which will facilitate training across various regions of Texas and potentially throughout the nation.
In its inaugural year, the academy has already trained several hundred individuals and anticipates a significant uptick in participation over the next few years. It is predicted that ongoing labor shortages in the construction industry could yield more than 500,000 job opportunities, emphasizing the need for a consistent influx of trained workers.
Key focus areas for the academy include training for essential construction roles such as pipefitters, electricians, carpenters, welders, and riggers. To further enhance the training experience, a permanent hands-on skills assessment facility is slated for completion by 2026, featuring a simulation of an actual construction site that will enhance the practical training experience for students.
The academy has garnered support from local leaders, including the mayor of Pearland, highlighting its contribution to regional workforce development. The construction industry, particularly in Pearland and surrounding areas, is heavily reliant on support from key sectors such as oil and gas, solar power, electrical substations, and aviation fueling—all of which are facing worker shortages.
In an effort to connect job seekers with potential employers, an upcoming job fair hosted by ABC13 will facilitate networking opportunities within the construction industry. This event will be a valuable opportunity for prospective workers to engage with companies actively looking to fill positions.
Burns & McDonnell’s Construction Academy embodies the company’s broader strategy to emerge as a leading provider of craft construction labor across the United States, ensuring that the next generation of skilled workers is well-prepared to meet industry demands.
FAQ
- What is the purpose of the Construction Academy?
The Construction Academy aims to educate and train individuals in key construction roles to address significant labor shortages in the industry. - How large is the Construction Academy?
The academy is situated in a 14,000 square foot facility in Pearland, Texas. - What types of training are offered?
The academy provides a combination of online knowledge assessments and hands-on skills training for various construction crafts. - How many workers does the industry need this year?
The construction sector requires about 450,000 new workers to meet its current demand. - Will there be additional opportunities for training in the future?
Yes, the academy plans to expand its offerings substantially in the coming years and will have a permanent hands-on skills assessment facility completed by 2026.
Key Features of Burns & McDonnell Construction Academy
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Pearland, Texas |
| Size | 14,000 square feet |
| Training Offered | Online assessments and hands-on training for electricians, boilermakers, etc. |
| Workers Needed | 450,000 new workers in the construction industry this year |
| Mobile Training Unit | To provide education regionally and nationally |
| Future Plans | Completion of assessment facility by 2026 |
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Additional Resources
- ABC13: Pearland Company’s Construction Academy
- Burns & McDonnell: Opens Construction Academy
- Construction Dive: Houston Construction Academy
- Community Impact: Alvin ISD Trustees Approve Construction Contracts
- Google Search: Construction Academy
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