SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Le Moyne College says it will host an eight-week, hybrid construction-training program starting on July 1.

The program seeks to place participants into construction jobs to help with an ongoing shortage of workers in the field, per the college’s announcement. Le Moyne is the only site in Central New York that will host the training, a spokesperson tells CNYBJ in an email.

Those interested can register at https://www.cahilltech.com/construction-academy.

The aQuiRe Construction Academy — operated by Buffalo–based CAHill TECH — will host up to 50 people on campus for the free program. A grant from the Empire State Development’s Office of Strategic Workforce Development (OSWD) and CAHill TECH is underwriting the program, Le Moyne College said.

“This program is holistically designed for real people; it’s hybrid and emphasizes mentorship because we understand the flexibility and custom training people need,” Carley Hill, CEO and founder of CAHill TECH, said in the Le Moyne announcement. “We provide virtual training through the aQuire mobile app, as well as live on-the-job training so that they have the experience to find jobs in the industry. Private construction companies and unions are knocking on our door for workers. We offer assistance with transportation and childcare reimbursements, as well as a career empowerment series. to ensure participants can thrive while job searching and in their new positions.”

The curriculum, virtual education, and demand for skilled construction workers “aligns well” with OSWD’s goals and the New York Job Development Authority, Le Moyne contends. The New York State Department of Transportation supports the program, as one goal is to train and hire participants looking for employment across New York, the school said.

“We are excited to welcome CAHill and the people they will be training to campus,” Bill Brower, special assistant to the president for strategic partnerships and workforce innovation, said. “Through our ERIE21 workforce program in technology, we have become adept at helping underrepresented people persist in and complete training programs. That is one reason CAHill approached us. Thanks to President LeMura’s leadership, Le Moyne is wired for partnership, and we are excited to be working with CAHill and CenterState CEO to do our part to enable local people to obtain jobs in the trades, especially with the urgent need we have for workers in these fields.”

The program will conclude with a graduation ceremony on Aug. 28.

Program details

Program participants will take part in the OSHA 10 certification course training, with each course splitting into two groups of 25 students to “ensure personalized instruction and safety.” OSHA is short for Occupational Safety & Health Administration.

They’ll also get hands-on training with aerial lifts and forklifts in a parking lot on campus. In addition, the program will include a work-yard tour at a client worksite.

It’ll also include a remote job-readiness session that will include mock interviews, résumé-writing workshops, and a visit from a representative of a local union, Le Moyne said.