Four leading construction companies and a training professional were recognized Oct. 18 for developing successful training programs, the Associated General Contractors of America announced. The winners of the association’s Education Excellence Awards were announced during the group’s 4th Annual Training and Development Conference in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Association officials noted that the winners were selected because they provide the construction industry with the most innovative and collaborative training and development programs.

"These programs are essential to keeping this industry current and thriving,” said Doug Pruitt, the association’s immediate past president. “And while these programs are geared to educate and train, they also help nurture the future leaders of the construction industry.”

The grand award went to Charlotte, N.C.-based Crowder Construction Company for its continued efforts in providing all levels of education to its growing company.

In 2000, the company built its in-house university and has provided 340,000 hours of training to nearly 4,000 employees ranging from craft workers to senior managers. The university is linked to the firm’s strategic plan, so training initiatives are driven by the current and future business needs of the various divisions and their workers.

The instructor of the year award went to Bryan McClure of Loveland, Colo.-based L.P.R. Construction Company for his dedication and commitment to his students. Since taking over the class three years ago, class attendance has increased and apprenticeship turnover has decreased. L.P.R. Construction Company also received the award for best craft training program. This program has grown to include ironworkers, welders, mobile crane operators, surveyors, and pipefitters since its launch in 1995.

The award for the best project executive management training program went to SpawGlass Construction Corporation of Houston, Texas. The company provides a two-part leadership program, which helps the employees develop an effective leadership role in their company, community and the industry. The first course provides employees with details on the company history, culture and its business environment. The second course offers emerging leaders opportunities to learn and practice leadership skills while solving real-life practical problems.

Zachry Construction Corporation of San Antonio, Texas, received the award for the best supervisory training program. The company developed an 18-course program that includes estimating, negotiating, planning, cost control, management skills, safety and document control. Each course curriculum was developed in-house, and all courses are taught by company employees and are geared toward real-life project requirements.

Pruitt noted that the winners were chosen by a 12-person judging panel made up of industry professionals. The judges evaluated nearly 40 different training programs that were nominated for the award.

The Education Excellence Awards is the only national program that recognizes construction industry training for all levels of the profession, from managers to craft workers, Pruitt added.

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