PHOENIX, AZ — DPR Construction has teamed with Job Corps, the nation’s largest career technical training and education program for youth, to provide on-the-job training at DPR Construction job sites. The six-week experience will serve as the capstone to Phoenix Job Corps’ Pre-Apprentice Carpentry program, giving participants practical, hands-on experience before moving into the workforce.

The agreement is timely as Arizona’s unprecedented economic growth and surging population has fueled a rapid increase in construction projects across the state. Arizona is projected to add 37,000 new construction jobs by 2031, according to the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity.

“This partnership is a tremendous opportunity to help foster the potential of underserved youth by building a safe, productive learning environment and laying a solid foundation for careers in construction,” said Gretchen Kinsella, Arizona Business Unit Leader at DPR. “This is a win for both students and the construction industry at a time when talented people are desperately needed in the skilled trades."

The first Job Corps cohort completed their on-the-job experience in December 2023. Following program completion, trainees signed up as apprentices with the Carpenters Union.