On July 29th, Sanford Contractors hosted a ceremony to mark the conclusion of the 2nd Annual Construction Academy. Numerous SCI team members, graduates’ friends and families, and representatives from program partners Central Carolina Community College and Lee County Schools attended the celebration.

The 2024 Construction Academy kicked off on May 15 with a signing event at the K. Mark Oldham Training Center at SCI’s Sanford Campus. Classroom instruction and paid on-the-job training commenced on June 3.

Over the last nine weeks, these students have been working on a variety of projects under the supervision of SCI’s seasoned construction professionals. Along with earning a competitive hourly wage, they also received credit for two continuing education college courses.

Students in this year’s Construction Academy included Brayan Bravo, Deshawn Brown, Chase Gallegos, Auburn Griffin, Aniel Lopez, Daniel Morales, Pedro Rivera, Gil Santos, BJ Sherrick, and Tristan Sornson. Four local high schools are represented amongst the group.

“I came into this program with an open mind, and I’m learning every day and enjoying it. I never saw myself doing this type of work, but now I can see a career in it,” shared Brown.

The students’ assigned mentors shared overwhelmingly positive feedback – particularly praising their work ethic, willingness to lend a hand, and eagerness to learn. Bridge Division Superintendent Sean Ireland commented, “From day one, these guys jumped right into it!”

“This is a very impressive group of young men,” said Development Director Zac West. “We truly enjoyed working with them this summer.” Unsurprisingly, SCI has hired seven of this year’s participants for full or part-time roles starting this fall.