Second DC Builds DC Hiring Event Results in Job Offers for Local Candidates
15 of the DMVs top construction companies interviewed 121 local candidates for over 85 open positions.
Washington, DC – CityWorks DC and the Federal City Council co-hosted the second hiring event for DC Builds DC, an employer-led, construction sector partnership focused on improving the District of Columbia’s construction talent pipeline. The Hiring Event aimed to fill more than 85 open positions across the construction industry, ranging from entry-level Carpentry and Skilled Trades roles to Field Engineer roles, which require postsecondary degrees and credentials. While results are still rolling in, to date 74 candidates were offered jobs or have advanced to final round interviews.
“For us, hiring local talent is a business imperative. Both locally and nationally, the construction workforce is rapidly retiring, so we have a real need for strong entry-level candidates to ensure that we can continue to deliver building and infrastructure assets that are critical to our communities,” says Jay Grauberger, Clark Construction Group’s Executive Vice President for Corporate Affairs.
As a part of the DC Builds DC Sector Partnership, CityWorks DC and The Federal City Council worked with industry leaders to develop a job readiness rubric and other resources that specifies exactly what the employers are seeking in their entry-level hires. Then, CityWorks DC worked with applicants to help them prepare for interviews, so that they were competitive candidates for the open positions.
“We are proud to be part of this innovative partnership,” said Maurice Edington, President of the University of the District of Columbia, which hosted the Hiring Event. “Last month, our Engineering Department hosted a panel of DC Builds DC industry leaders, to allow our students and faculty to learn more about the career pathways available to Engineering degree-holders. The house was packed and the interest was high. Today’s event builds on that collaboration, providing career-building opportunities for our students and alumni to thrive in one of largest sectors of the region’s economy.”
Ian Young, HR Generalist and Jesse Mack, Project Manager from Poole & Kent, one of the leading mechanical contractors in the eastern United States, interviewed candidates for Field Engineer positions, a construction management role which oversees on-site activities, and collaborates closely with project managers, subcontractors, and clients to achieve project goals.. The candidates were “great- exactly what we were looking for. The event was really fluid- having 15 minutes to interview each candidate was perfect.”
Prior to today’s Hiring Event, 65 DC residents have been offered jobs or paid internships as a result of the DC Builds DC effort. An additional 111 residents have been hired or advanced to final round interviews through the Hire Local DC Hospitality Sector Partnership. “In less than a year we’ve had about 250 residents get jobs, job offers, or final round interviews through our Sector Partnerships,” said Dr. Erin Ward Bibo, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at CityWorks DC. Dr. Bibo emphasized, "We’re building momentum here. Two years ago when this partnership started, many of the participating companies didn’t really know about the amazing construction trades programs here in our city. They wanted to learn about them, and we’ve been able to make those connections happen. Today,they’re spending meaningful time with our students and adult learners, giving valuable feedback to them and to the education and training programs about what they need in their talent, and we’re creating this cycle of improvement. We’re all learning, and with every new hire, it’s very rewarding evidence that what we’re doing here is working.”
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About CityWorks DC
CityWorks DC's mission is to dramatically improve the early career outcomes of DC youth and young adults of color by creating innovative programs and by mobilizing employers, educators, and city leaders to create a local, diverse talent pipeline. CityWorks DC seeks to ensure that young people acquire industry-valued credentials; paid, relevant work experience; and social capital, so that they can secure meaningful work that enables them to thrive. To do this, CityWorks DC launches innovative programs that work directly with young people to help them build family-sustaining careers, create personal wealth, and drive economic growth, and leads citywide initiatives designed to ensure lasting change. To learn more about the organization’s programs and partnerships, visit cityworksdc.org.
About Federal City Council
FC2 is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, membership-based organization dedicated to advancing civic life in the nation’s capital. Our members, which include 250 leaders in the private, non-profit and civic sectors, are working to use their influence as employers and hiring decision-makers to help ensure that DC residents attain good jobs in proven, workforce-aligned career pathways that pay family-sustaining salaries. To learn more about the organization’s programs, visit https://www.federalcitycouncil.org/.
