HUB Operations in partnership with the College of Technology-Construction Management (CM) Department and National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) worked together to create a construction management talent pipeline program. The purpose of this initiative was to help increase the construction industry talent pool and provide Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB)-- minority, women, and disabled veteran-owned small businesses with the knowledge to help them to be more competitive as prime contractors for construction work, including UH constructions projects.
The Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Operations mission is to promote the inclusion of HUB vendors in university procurements. The HUB Program assists UH departments in locating HUB vendors, offers HUBs assistance to facilitate access and contracting opportunities.
The labor shortage within the construction field impacts both HUBs and Non-HUBs of all sizes. In response to these needs, HUB Operations proposed the creation of a UH construction management talent pipeline program.
Recognizing substantive change cannot be made alone, a meeting between representatives from HUB Operations, National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC), and the College of Technology – Construction Management (CM) Department led to the development of a training program to provide HUBs with knowledge and professional credentials required to be a prime contractor.
The training program occured from 10/24 to 12/5 through a virtual platform. The cost of this class was augmented by the University of Houston, Tellepsen, DPR Construction, Austin Commercial, and Vaugh Construction for each of the 20 eligible participants.
Facilities/Construction Management was well-represented by Assistant Vice President Jeff Benjamin who was asked to be on one of the discussion panels. Benjamin gave his insights on outreach to the HUB contractor community, strategies for small businesses to better position themselves to do work of the University, and construction trends that affect the small business community.
F/CM is happy to help building futures and maintain excellence by participating and supporting the UH HUB program and the College of Technology-Construction Management.