Connecting construction educators with active project delivery can help colleges keep coursework aligned with current industry practices and workforce needs. Manhattan Construction recently participated in Florida Gulf Coast University's faculty residency program, giving an FGCU assistant professor direct exposure to the processes used on the Southwest Florida International Airport Terminal Expansion project.
Dr. Andy Chau, an assistant professor at FGCU, worked with Manhattan Construction's project team during the residency. His experience included construction scheduling, bid leveling, estimating, contract administration and project delivery activities.
The hands-on placement gave the faculty member an opportunity to observe project management and construction operations in an active aviation environment. The experience can also provide material for incorporating current industry practices into classroom instruction.
Faculty-industry residency programs create a direct connection between academic instruction and construction operations. Exposure to active projects can help educators understand the processes, technologies and management practices used by construction professionals.
For students, updated instruction can provide greater familiarity with the responsibilities and workflows they may encounter after entering the industry. The FGCU program also supports workforce development in Southwest Florida by strengthening connections between higher education and construction employers.
Construction workforce development increasingly extends beyond craft training to include preparation for estimating, project management, scheduling and contract administration roles. Programs that place educators in active construction environments can help align academic programs with those professional requirements while giving contractors a role in shaping the industry's future talent pipeline.
Source: Manhattan Construction.
