Primera Engineers is proud to partner with ComEd on their CONSTRUCT program. Launched in 2013, CONSTRUCT is an 11-week program, offering more than 60 students the training, information and guidance needed to compete for entry-level jobs in construction-related fields. This intense program helps participants develop the core competencies required for entry-level positions in the industry, strengthen job readiness and life skills, and prepare for industry-required testing that is often a prerequisite for employment. It also includes job shadowing to give candidates an up-close look at the various career paths available.

Since Primera’s inception in 1987 we have always had a deep commitment to diversity, and are always looking for ways to continuously promote and support that. Today, our workforce includes more than 50% women and minority employees and are considered one of the largest, if not the largest, Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) engineering firms in the region. This commitment to diversity is what led us to join the alliance of companies, social service agencies and labor unions that are helping ComEd remove barriers for individuals interested in the construction industry.

As a CONSTRUCT partner with ComEd, Primera recently hired a full-time candidate from the program, and has another candidate working in a temp-to-hire position. Primera’s newest Permitting Analyst, Norelis Gonzalez, graduated from the program in May 2016 and credits her recent successes to the structure and curriculum, as well as to the dedicated instructors. “This program not only opens doors for minorities, but for anyone looking to get into the construction industry. Without the help and guidance of the instructors I would not have been able to succeed and find such a wonderful place like Primera to continue my career.” Prior to joining Primera, Norelis was able to job shadow at other firms like M.J. Electric and INTREN through the CONSTRUCT program. Norelis was even featured in the program’s 2016 Graduate Stories video found below:

To date, about 150 students have participated in the program, and nearly eighty percent have been offered employment at one of over 30 participating firms. Primera is proud to be a valued partner of this amazing program as it gives us the opportunity to truly embody our core values and support a valued client. To learn more about CONSTRUCT please visit the program’s website: https://www.comed.com/SafetyCommunity/Community/Pages/CONSTRUCTProgram.aspx.