Pearland, Texas, September 17, 2025
News Summary
In an effort to combat labor shortages in the construction industry, Burns & McDonnell has opened a 14,000 square foot Construction Academy in Pearland, Texas. This facility aims to train individuals for various skilled roles, including electricians and carpenters. The initiative addresses the need for approximately 450,000 new workers in the current market and includes online assessments and hands-on training. Local support for the academy highlights its expected positive impact on the regional economy and workforce development.
Pearland, Texas – Burns & McDonnell Opens Construction Academy to Combat Labor Shortages
Burns & McDonnell has inaugurated a 14,000 square foot Construction Academy in Pearland, Texas, aimed at addressing the pressing shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry. This academy, which officially opened this year, is dedicated to educating and training individuals for essential roles such as electricians, boilermakers, pipefitters, and carpenters.
The initiative was conceived by Chad Whetro, the craft workforce development director at Burns & McDonnell, who recognized the significant labor shortages plaguing the construction sector. According to the Associated Builders and Contractors, the industry requires approximately 450,000 new workers this year alone to meet demand.
Training Requirements and Programs
The Construction Academy is designed to provide a comprehensive training experience that includes both online knowledge assessments and hands-on skill development. To extend its reach beyond Pearland, the academy will utilize a mobile training unit, enabling it to deliver educational programs throughout the region and even nationwide.
As of 2023, the facility has already begun offering training to a few hundred individuals, with ambitions to escalate that number significantly over the coming years. This is essential, given the anticipated over 500,000 opportunities that will arise in the industry due to ongoing craft labor shortages.
Key Industries Aligning with Workforce Development
Key sectors affected by the labor shortage include oil and gas, solar power, electrical substations, and aviation fueling. The Construction Academy seeks to fill these gaps by producing qualified workers equipped with the necessary skills for vital construction roles.
In 2026, a permanent hands-on skills assessment facility will be established, simulating a real construction site environment. This will further enhance the training capabilities of the academy and better prepare individuals for their future careers.
Community Support and Job Opportunities
Local officials, including the mayor of Pearland, have expressed strong support for the academy, recognizing its potential contribution to the regional economy and workforce development. In addition to the academy’s offerings, an upcoming job fair hosted by ABC13 will provide valuable opportunities for job seekers to connect directly with potential employers within the construction industry.
The Burns & McDonnell Construction Academy is part of a broader strategy aimed at positioning the company as a leading provider of craft construction labor across the United States. With a robust training framework now in place, the academy serves as a critical response to the urgent labor shortage affecting the construction landscape.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Pearland, Texas |
| Size | 14,000 square feet |
| Training Focus | Electricians, Boilermakers, Pipefitters, Carpenters, Welders, Riggers |
| Workers Needed | 450,000 new workers in 2023 |
| Expected Opportunities | Over 500,000 due to labor shortages |
| Mobile Training Unit | Will provide education regionally and nationally |
| Assessment Facility Completion | Expected by 2026 |
FAQ
What is the purpose of the Burns & McDonnell Construction Academy?
The Construction Academy aims to educate and train individuals for skilled roles in the construction industry to address labor shortages.
What types of roles will the academy focus on training for?
The academy will train individuals for various roles, including electricians, boilermakers, pipefitters, carpenters, and welders.
How many workers does the construction industry need this year?
The construction industry is expected to require approximately 450,000 new workers in 2023.
Is there a mobile training unit associated with the academy?
Yes, a mobile training unit will accompany the academy to provide education across the region and nationwide.
When will the permanent hands-on skills assessment facility be completed?
The permanent facility is expected to be completed in 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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