A new Construction Cost Estimator Training Program will teach minorities, women and veterans working in construction the necessary skills to become cost estimators, is beginning today at BMCC.
The program is funded by the Lower Manhattan Construction Command Center (LMCCC). Cost estimation, which projects the estimated costs for construction projects, represents a significant career advance for construction workers, and a foray into management level employment.
President Pérez on cost estimator training program
Dr. Antonio Pérez, BMCC President, said, “The Construction Cost Estimator Training Program, was developed in response to industry’s identified need for skilled employees, and encourages minority, female, and veteran participation in the rebuilding efforts of downtown New York…We are very excited about this groundbreaking new program that will provide valuable training in construction and most importantly, access to jobs.”
Despite the economic downturn, construction in lower Manhattan remains very active, and according to a survey by the Building Trade Employer’s Association, there is a high need for cost estimators. Few minorities and women, however, apply for such positions.
Robert Harvey of the LMCCC
Robert Harvey, Executive Director of the LMCCC said, “Lower Manhattan is in the midst of one of the biggest construction booms in our city’s history, despite the economic downturn. We, along with BMCC, formulated this Cost Estimator Training program, after learning from the construction industry that Cost Estimating is a position that’s always in demand. This program will help train people who are in construction field to upgrade their skills and advance their career.”
BMCC’s collaboration with LMCCC
BMCC collaborated with the LMCCC and Building Trades Employer’s Association (BTEA) to create the program, following the findings of a BTEA survey that found cost estimator positions were among the hardest to fill, and a report that the construction industry will face a shortage of skilled workers due to the “aging out” of the current workforce (48% of construction industry employees are 40 or older).
The curriculum
The program’s curriculum was devised in part based on the findings of a 2008 focus group of cost estimation vice presidents, who determined which skills were most important for a cost estimator to have upon starting the job. BMCC expects to conduct the Construction Cost Estimator training program three times a year, with sessions in the winter, summer and fall semesters, allowing for a total of 60 participants annually.
Two members of the class
Of the nineteen members of the summer class, Edie Howell, an unemployed buyer for an electrical contractor, sees the course for Construction Cost Estimator as a “thrilling opportunity.” She said. “I was unemployed for a year and every time I applied for a position I was asked whether I knew cost estimating.” I checked into the program and with new credentials I will be able to continue to make it in the construction industry.”
Howell will receive a full scholarship of $ 1,495 plus the cost of textbooks.
Carole Jordan who is currently a union carpenter at Local 157, pursued the program because, as she said, “I want to have longevity in the construction field and I wanted to grow as a professional. This program is the logical step. This is a great way into a male dominated industry.”
Participants in the program were recruited through the assistance of BMCC Alumni Office, Helmets to Hardhats, Non-traditional Employment for Women program (NEW), the Project Hire Pre-Apprenticeship Program at Bronx Community College, the Edward J. Malloy Construction Skills Program, the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program of Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc., and a wide array of Community Based Organizations.
