Pearland, Texas, September 17, 2025
News Summary
Burns & McDonnell has opened a 14,000 square foot Construction Academy in Pearland, Texas, aiming to alleviate labor shortages in the construction industry. The academy offers education and training for essential trades such as electricians and boilermakers. With a projected need for 450,000 new workers this year, the initiative responds to the demand for skilled labor. The academy combines online and hands-on training methods and includes a mobile unit to extend its reach. Local leaders support the initiative recognizing its potential for workforce development and economic growth.
Pearland, Texas – Burns & McDonnell has inaugurated a 14,000 square foot Construction Academy in Pearland, aiming to combat the ongoing labor shortages plaguing the construction industry. The academy provides education and training focused on essential roles such as electricians, boilermakers, and various skilled crafts, addressing an urgent need for qualified personnel in the sector.
This initiative, spearheaded by Chad Whetro, the craft workforce development director at Burns & McDonnell, has emerged as a crucial response to a significant shortage of skilled tradespeople. Reports indicate that the construction industry requires approximately 450,000 new workers in the current year alone to meet rising demand, making the establishment of training facilities like the Construction Academy imperative.
The academy combines online knowledge assessments with hands-on training programs to equip individuals with the necessary skills for careers in construction. In addition to the main facility, a mobile training unit will extend the academy’s reach, enabling educational opportunities across the region and nationwide.
In 2023, a few hundred individuals have already trained through the academy, with plans for a substantial increase in enrollment in the years to come. Burns & McDonnell forecasts over 500,000 job opportunities in the industry due to continued craft labor shortages and a growing market demand.
Key sectors in need of skilled workers include oil and gas, solar power, electrical substations, and aviation fueling. The academy is focused on preparing workers in essential roles such as pipefitters, electricians, carpenters, welders, and riggers. Additionally, a permanent hands-on skills assessment facility, designed to simulate a real construction site, is expected to be completed by 2026.
Local leaders, including the mayor of Pearland, have voiced their support for the academy, recognizing its potential to enhance workforce development and stimulate economic growth in the area. An upcoming job fair organized by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) will further facilitate connections between job seekers and employers in the construction field, providing crucial support in filling the growing number of available positions.
The Construction Academy represents a strategic effort by Burns & McDonnell to become a leading provider of craft construction labor in the United States, addressing critical workforce gaps while contributing positively to local economies.
Key Features of the Construction Academy
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 14,000 square feet |
| Focus Areas | Electricians, boilermakers, pipefitters, carpenters, welders, riggers |
| Current Training Participants | A few hundred in 2023, with plans to increase enrollment significantly |
| Mobile Training Unit | Will provide education across the region and nation |
| Job Opportunities | Over 500,000 forecasted due to ongoing labor shortages |
| Completion of Skills Assessment Facility | Expected by 2026 |
| Local Support | Endorsement from local leaders, including the mayor of Pearland |
| Industries in Need | Oil and gas, solar power, electrical substations, aviation fueling |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Burns & McDonnell Construction Academy?
The Construction Academy aims to educate and train individuals in various skilled trades such as electricians and boilermakers, addressing significant labor shortages in the construction industry.
How many workers does the construction industry currently need?
The construction industry requires approximately 450,000 new workers in the current year to meet growing demand.
What training methods does the Construction Academy offer?
The academy provides a combination of online knowledge assessments and hands-on training for various construction skills.
When is the skills assessment facility expected to be completed?
The permanent hands-on skills assessment facility is expected to be completed by 2026.
What are some key industries in need of skilled workers?
Important sectors include oil and gas, solar power, electrical substations, and aviation fueling.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
