Brady PieperPurdue University in Indiana is launching a comprehensive construction management program that readies students for leadership positions in the construction industry. The new program, starting this fall, seeks to prepare students for high-level roles and bridge an increasing gap of skilled construction professionals in the state.
“From listening to construction industry leaders throughout the city, we knew that there was an urgent need for skilled workers in this particular area,” Senior Vice Provost of Purdue University David Umulis said. “The reimagined construction management technology program underlines the core objective of our urban expansion in Indianapolis — to establish connections and opportunities for Purdue students in high-demand career fields while creating a direct pipeline of Boilermaker talent for employers in central Indiana.”
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The new construction management program, offered through the Purdue Polytechnic Institute, will accelerate the growth of the construction industry by training the next generation of students. Through hands-on experience with employers, educators and proximity to major companies in West Lafayette and Indianapolis, the university intends to create a direct talent pipeline to the regions’ construction sector.
Starting in fall 2025, students may transition to the first phase of the revamped program and begin building experience in construction management and technology. The program will train students to manage every aspect of construction projects, including initial budgets, daily operations, project completion and other activities.
The first-of-its-kind program will offer registered apprenticeships in construction management and pioneer an “earn and learn” system, where student apprentices could collect wages for working at Indiana-based companies.
“Our goal is to develop industry-ready graduates who are equipped to tackle real-world challenges,” Purdue Polytechnic dean Daniel Castro said. “This (program) in Indianapolis, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, reflects our commitment to providing students with a rigorous curriculum that equips them to solve problems, improve processes and become thought leaders, and meaningful professional education and training that meets the essential demands of the growing construction industry.”
Additionally, the university plans to introduce pre-apprenticeship programs in central Indiana high schools to provide expanded pathways for local students and communities. Prospective students will be prepared to tackle essential leadership positions, such as superintendents, project managers, site organizers and health and safety officials.
Emphasizing partnerships with industry stakeholders, the university will encourage collaborations with local companies that offer internships and co-op opportunities for students. Interested entities may reach out to the School of Construction Management Technology at rogersmk@purdue.edu.
Photo courtesy Julian Herzog (Website), CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
