Dive brief:
- Westminster, Colo.-based construction technology firm Trimble recently partnered with three universities to open labs to train students in the fields of architecture, engineering and construction.
- Virginia Tech, located in Blacksburg, opened a Trimble Technology Lab on September 28, the university announced. Ohio State University in Columbus opened two facilities that will serve construction and agriculture students — one at Wooster Agricultural Technical Institute on Oct. 5 and another on Ohio State’s main campus on Oct. 6, said Trimble representative Cori Keeton Pope, at Construction Dive. A third place at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., will welcome students in early 2024, according to the school.
- The company currently operates 30 labs worldwide, Amy Northcutt, Trimble’s director of education and outreach, told Construction Dive via email. Northcutt said the company wants to open more training facilities as part of a multi-pronged program for industry education and outreach.
Diving knowledge:
Trimble’s goal for the facility is to train students in construction technology techniques, Northcutt said. The labs will feature industry-key high-end technology that educators can use to train students. Purdue’s, for example, contains a wide range of Trimble geospatial and construction products and software solutions.
Getting college students interested in construction technology is key to keeping projects staffed. Construction labor needs are extreme – A February analysis by the Associated Builders and Contractors found the industry would need to hire 546,000 workers to match demand by 2023. ABC also predicts that labor demand will increase by 3,620 jobs for every billion dollars of new spending.
“Developing young workers who want to enter construction jobs is a key part of overcoming these labor challenges,” Northcutt wrote.
US contractors are turning to younger generations as they look to fill open positions. Students have such opportunities as they apply more to construction and technology programs to start your professional career.
“We want to make sure we continue to give the next generation hands-on experience with the latest technology available so they can enter the workforce with the knowledge and skills to land a great job where they can continue to advance in the industry,” Northcutt said. .
