One Student’s Calling
An Industry’s PLEDGE.
It is no secret that there is a shortage of skilled workers in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry today. A study released at the 2012 American Institute of Architects National Convention and Design Exposition revealed that this decline can be blamed on three crucial issues: a national economic slump, the escalating retirement of AEC professionals, and a lack of young people entering into—and staying in—AEC careers.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2014 and 2024, construction trades will experience the largest increase in job growth compared to other occupations. How does the AEC industry plan to keep up the pace with challenges such as employee shortages?
One college student’s story shows that efforts to recruit and support young adults in their professional journeys is making a positive difference in workforce retention.
A Defining Experience in Africa
Five years ago, Corina Braun, a student studying construction management and construction technology at Fullerton College in Fullerton, California, was at a crossroads in deciding on her college major. She thought about practicing medicine, mostly because she wanted to use her talents to help those less fortunate in third world countries like Africa. However, a mission trip to Zimbabwe in 2011 swayed Corina’s decision down an alternate path.
During a visit to a local hospital, her compassionate heart ached for the people she witnessed struggling with various health issues. She soon recognized that there were already doctors and volunteers in place to address medical concerns, but it seemed that no one was available to attend to the needs of the buildings that sheltered medical staff, volunteers and the ill. The hospital itself needed extensive renovation and lacked proper equipment. For instance, the hospital and the community would go days without electricity because facilities didn’t have a consistent power source. This observation led Corina to start thinking of alternative energy options and other solutions that could improve the physical environment.
This experience is one that propelled Corina to pursue a career in construction. She wanted to elevate the quality of health care by renovating or building better medical facilities in the U.S. and abroad.
But it wasn’t just a visit to Africa that guided Corina down this path—her mom also was a crucial influence.
Like Mother, Like Daughter
The professional example set by Corina’s mom, a general contractor, inspired Corina to choose a similar vocation. Corina grew up understanding that there were few female general contractors. She recalls her hardworking mother—a single parent—often getting up before the sun and working well into the night. She knows that her mom loves to build and that she thrives on working in a truly hands-on job, even after all of these years. This knowledge helps Corina to see that, even though there may be challenges in life and in the industry, accomplishments in the AEC field are intrinsically rewarding.
Corina has taken a page out of her mom’s life journal, choosing to dive into a career that she says is not just interesting, but meaningful. Life has thrown several obstacles in Corina’s path. But when she talks of certain personal setbacks, such as a car accident that resulted in serious injuries, she doesn’t speak of defeat; rather, she shares her determination to press beyond her circumstance to complete her degree. She has worked two jobs in order to pay for her schooling, and believes the quality of instruction that she is receiving makes her struggles worthwhile.
“The first-rate education that I’m receiving at Fullerton College is putting me on the same level as my co-workers who have gone to bigger schools, like the University of Southern
California. Fullerton has been perfect for me,” says Corina.
A Partnership in Education
The partnership between Fullerton College and the American Subcontractors Association (ASA) benefits students in the school’s Technology and Engineering program. ASA provides scholarships so that the program’s construction division can purchase materials, finance class projects, and fund other needs.
ASA is dedicated to making a difference within the industry and in the community at large. The organization serves its members by offering educational resources and representation before government entities, and by being an industry liaison. In addition to the Fullerton scholarship, ASA members donate to the Spirit of Sharing (SOS), a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to military families in Southern California during the holiday season (and in special cases throughout the year). In particular, SOS focuses on helping the families of those deployed abroad.
The ASA and Fullerton relationship was forged nine years ago when Ruth Worden, Executive Director of ASA’s Los Angeles/Orange County/Inland Empire chapter, connected with Patrick “Pat” McGrew, Associate Professor and Construction Department Coordinator at Fullerton College, to discuss establishing the scholarship. Worden, a former Fullerton student, was very impressed by the program and McGrew’s commitment to it.
“Pat McGrew’s passion for teaching students goes beyond the normal call of duty. His faithfulness and involvement makes ASA want to be a part of his goals,” Worden says. She adds, “I cannot over-emphasize the value Pat brings to the program. He helps our ASA members see that we are truly making an investment in the future.” Corina also admires McGrew, her mentor and instructor, for his dedication to the construction program and to his students.
McGrew’s zeal for the education program is matched by that of Worden, who Corina says is enthusiastic in her support of the college’s construction discipline. Worden attends the school’s open house events and reaches out to contractors to help students find employment. McGrew and Worden work together to provide students the chance to network with ASA members, such as attending dinner meetings and volunteering at ASA events.
Corina views her volunteer work with ASA as the key that opened a door of opportunity for her at CSI Electrical Contractors (CSI), where she has worked as a Project Engineer for over a year. She shares, “The ASA’s partnership with Fullerton College has made it so that a lot of students can have better prospects for employment. I got my job at CSI because of ASA, which has been an amazing experience that gives me real-world insight into the industry.”
CSI’s management team has worked with Corina to guide her through various project intricacies and to ensure that she thoroughly understands how to complete her assignments. She values their willingness to help her grow, and appreciates having a flexible work schedule that allows her sufficient time to complete her coursework.
CSI Project Development Manager Sean Dromgoole, an ASA member and also a mentor of Corina’s, met her at an ASA meeting and quickly initiated the process which led to her employment. “Corina’s deep-driven desire to succeed, and her willingness to put forth extra effort to learn more about the industry, makes her a great employee,” says Dromgoole.
Focused on the Future
As Corina navigates her career journey, she has not lost sight of what first compelled her to enter into the industry. Every month she volunteers with Strong Tower Ministries, a Christian organization that partners with churches, agencies and other ministries to provide recovery assistance to individuals and families. In Mexico, they’ve built a children’s hospice facility that also serves as a community center, and are in the process of building a clinic. “I’m really excited about this clinic in Mexico because it’s like what I want to eventually do in Africa,” Corina declares.
Corina has found her formula for career longevity. She’s combining her passion for service, life experience, and industry knowledge to build better communities. “Being able to help other people is the most rewarding feeling. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else with my life,” she says.
Each step of Corina’s journey has been marked by individuals devoted to ushering her and others into the industry. Her story shows us the value of mentorships, partnerships, and supportive work environments in engaging and retaining young people in AEC careers.