Paving the Way for the Next Generation of Construction Professionals

by Todd Sutton, director of construction technology, Zachry Construction Corporation

Several years ago, Zachry Construction Corporation embarked on a journey to address the critical shortage of skilled craft and professional workers in the construction industry while also exemplifying our core values. The Zachry Career Exploration Program for Dreamers and Builders brings two programs under one umbrella of innovation.

The Career Exploration Program for Dreamers inspires future field and project engineers, while the Exploration for Builders Program stokes the interest of future skilled craftworkers. Both programs reach out to high school students with interests in engineering and technology and introduce them to the diverse opportunities available within the construction field. This eight-week program is designed to spark passion and ignite their imagination, while equipping them with practical skills that will benefit them in their academic and professional endeavors.

As the director of construction technology and a passionate advocate for workforce initiatives, I have had the privilege of leading this program for five years. With more than 35 years of experience in the construction industry, I am committed to fostering a culture of innovation and encouraging the next generation to embrace the transformative power of STEM in shaping the future of construction.

Collaboration is at the heart of the Career Exploration Program. We partner with industry experts to provide our interns with a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. Through hands-on projects, interactive workshops, and real-world case studies, participants gain firsthand insights into the latest technologies and practices used in highway infrastructure projects.

One of the highlights of the program is the use of STEM projects that directly apply to real-world construction scenarios. Students work in teams to tackle challenges related to data collection, analysis, and distribution. They utilize cutting-edge software such as Civil 3D, InfraWorks, Synchro 4D, Bluebeam Revu and Twinmotion to create models and visualizations that will be used in future projects. These projects not only showcase the practical applications of STEM but also teach valuable skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and leadership.

In addition to technical proficiencies, the program also emphasizes the importance of soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Students learn to effectively communicate their ideas, collaborate with diverse teams, and adapt to changing project requirements. These skills are essential for success in any career, but they are particularly crucial in the dynamic and ever-evolving construction industry.

The success of the Career Exploration Program is reflected in the enthusiasm and achievements of our participants. Previous projects have included building and programming a robotic arm, building a hyper local weather monitoring station using Raspberry Pi’s, various sensors, python programming and creating detailed models in Civil 3D and InfraWorks for use in Twinmotion and Synchro 4D. These projects allow students to showcase their creativity, ingenuity, and ability to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges.

The construction industry is facing a critical shortage of skilled workers, and programs like the Zachry Career Exploration Program are essential in bridging the gap and ensuring a sustainable future for the industry. By inspiring and educating the next generation of construction professionals, we are building a foundation for innovation, excellence, and progress.

Above photo: High school students from various San Antonio schools participated in the 2023 Career Exploration Program. Courtesy of Zachry.