Local companies opening doors for UWF construction students
Local companies, like the Green-Simmons Company continue to show support for the UWF Construction Program by hiring students as interns and for positions after they graduate. The Green-Simmons Company recently provided a gift of $30,000 to continue to build and sustain the UWF construction program, as well as to establish an endowed scholarship to support students.
“We have found that the University of West Florida construction program has well prepared the students for their career in the construction industry,” said Nathan Green, Green-Simmons Company, Inc. president. “When looking to hire construction program graduates, we do not look any further than UWF.”
Currently, the UWF Construction Program has eight students who are participating in internships in several construction companies throughout the local community. Morette Construction, Greenhut Construction, APAC and United Forming are just some of the companies that have been significant supporters of UWF students.
“Since the inception of our internship program, we’ve had the support from the community,” said Glenda Mayo, coordinator of the UWF Construction Program. “In turn, the support is obvious to students and it raises the level importance of their efforts when the students can see that they have that support and opportunity to possibly work for a great company in the local area.”
In an effort to connect students with potential employers, the university hosts Construction Career Night each spring. The event serves as an opportunity for students to network with local companies interested in recruiting UWF graduates. As a result of the night, several companies hire students as interns during the summer.
“Not only do UWF students bring with them their well-rounded education in construction from the university, they also bring with them real world experience,” said Green. “The interns hit the ground running and are able to help us out where we need them most.”
Developing knowledge for construction of all types, UWF students are able to hone their skills and abilities to help them meet their future professional challenges. Due to the past support of many organizations in the construction community, awareness about the program is increasing and student enrollment has climbed to 120 this fall.
For more information, contact Mayo at (850) 857-6390 or e-mail gmayo@uwf.edu. Learn more about UWF’s Construction Program at uwf.edu/ect/construction.cfm.
By Megan Clark, University Marketing Communications
