High demand for enormous artificial intelligence data centers has caused a construction boom, creating lucrative job opportunities for those with trade skills.
According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, the associated Builders and Contractor Trade Group estimates a shortage of more than 435,000 construction workers throughout the United States.
“There aren’t enough people to build the magnitude of work out there right now,” said Sundt construction firm president Chad Buck in the article. “There’s only a set pool to pull from, and every contractor in the country is trying to pull from it right now.”
San Quentin Rehabilitation Center offers vocational training programs and jobs to residents seeking skills necessary to fill the high demand for workers in the construction industry.
Vocational Plumbing, Painting, Plant Operation/Building Maintenance/Electrical, Correctional Construction Management Labor, and CALCTRA’s (formerly CALPIA) Construction Training Education Labor are available to those housed in the facility.
According to SQRC, these programs offer residents an opportunity to experience, obtain, and apply real life skills that prepare them for a future career in construction.
Along with adding experience to resident’s work profile, SQRC states these jobs and programs provide those preparing for parole board hearings with reentry strategies. In addition, gaining work experience and recognition presents well to employers when residents are released, helping people make a smooth transition back into society.
CAL PIA CTE Labor are offering residents milestones, training certificates, apprenticeships, networking skills, and connections with California American Job Centers.
SQ resident Kamsan Suon, 51, said after becoming a certified welder at Solano State Prison he transferred to SQRC and completed the vocational plumbing program. He now works in the SQ vocational paint shop with a goal of learning as many trades as he can and so he can start a career in the construction field when released.
Suon said the skills he has gained have built his confidence and strengthened his work portfolio by adding more experience to his resumé. He added that learning to fabricate metal, and perform plumbing skills like sweating pipes, installing toilets, sinks, and jobsite safety practices will make his qualifications more attractive to employers than other people seeking the same jobs with less experience.
“My goal is to take full advantage of the hands-on training now, so when I get out, I can get a high paying job in the union,” said Suon.
According to ZipRecruiter.com, there are many union construction jobs available right now.
The website notes salary for journeyman union construction workers in the U.S. range $51,000-$115,500 per year.
Current union trade positions available include electricians, plumbers, labor representatives, bricklayers, millwrights, commercial drivers, metal stud framers, painters, welders, drywallers, and many other trades. Most trade unions offer four-year apprenticeships, noted the website.
SQRC resident Sergio Linares, 43, is working toward a career as a union painter. A few months shy of graduating the facility vocational painting program, he is confident his new skills will make him an asset to employers.
“The program taught me everything: jobsite safety, preparation, and finish work applications,” said Linares. “That’s what contractors are looking for in a professional painter.”
Resident Jack Anderwald, 72, has 35 years of over-the-road trucking experience and is a current facilitator for SQRC’s Concrete Rose trucking program. Anderwald said that construction does not start until a truck driver brings the equipment and the material to the jobsite.
“Whenever there’s a construction boom, there’s always a higher demand for truckers,” said Anderwald. He added that Concrete Rose is a great opportunity for people to learn basic trucking skills that can lead to a lifelong career.
Anderwald said that a lot of the jobs and programs at SQRC have a long waiting list, and many residents are frustrated while waiting for enrollment. He said that just like out on the streets, learning to network and finding ways to develop one’s skills is important, even while unemployed.
“Nothing is stopping people from picking up a book to gain knowledge in their chosen field,” said Anderwald. “Whether you want to be a carpenter, plumber, or a truck driver, in order to master a trade, you must put in the work, including book work.”
Anderwald noticed that many people in this digital era do not want to get their hands dirty. His instructor used to tell him to do what it takes to land that first job, that would lead him to a better job, and that job would lead him to a career.
“Trust me, anyone who puts in the work now to develop their skills in a trade, won’t have any trouble getting a job when they get out of prison,” said Anderwald.
According to SQRC counselor’s office, residents wanting to apply for CAL PIA CTE Construction Labors, or other programs geared toward a career in construction, are to send an Inmate Request for Interview, GA Form 22 in or speak to their counselor.