Barton Malow’s Community Engagement team wrapped up its 2020 Barton Malow Boot Camp in October as the most successful edition since the program launched in 2016. The 2020 program consisted of 24 participants, placed at three jobsites throughout Detroit. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program’s start was shifted from its traditional summer schedule to a fall start, running from September 14 to October 21, 2020.
Working in partnership with the City of Detroit’s workforce agency, Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, Boot Camp was utilized as a pilot for the launch of Grow Detroit’s Young Talent (GDYT) Year-Round Construction Employment Initiative. Because of the Boot Camp’s fall schedule, Barton Malow was able to partner with GDYT on the new initiative, which helps Detroit youth to gain access to employment outside of its normal summer program schedule.
During the six-week paid work experience program, Boot Campers received mentorship opportunities with Barton Malow self-perform teams and several subcontractors, including Dixon, Inc., Motor City Electric, Limbach, and Turner Brooks. Ninety-two percent of the 2020 Boot Camp participants completed the program and 77% received job offers.
The Barton Malow Boot Camp program continues to open doors and share opportunities that allow participants to shine while learning from and working side-by-side with journeymen mentors in the field. The Community Engagement team then assists participants with making connections and guiding them through what can be a difficult process of entering an apprenticeship.
With this momentum, Barton Malow is looking to expand to more regions in 2021.
