Callahan Construction Managers completes co-op program with Quincy High School

Quincy, MA Callahan Construction Managers (Callahan) has completed the latest installment of its constructing communities initiative with Quincy High School through a co-op work program for select high school graduates. The partnership, which launched last fall, aims to inspire the next generation of engineers, architects and builders by providing students with real world experience in the construction industry.

Through a competitive interview process among high school seniors who participated in the program during the school year, two students were selected to participate in the summer co-op. These students spent the summer working and learning alongside Callahan at two of the city’s most compelling new projects, Meriel Marina Bay and Crown Colony, gaining first-hand industry experience and building lasting relationships with local employers.

“As a multigenerational, family-owned business, we value the importance of educating and empowering the next generation workforce,” said Patrick Callahan, president of Callahan. “In shaping our partnership with Quincy High School, it was a priority to provide students with a strong foundation of knowledge, experience and relationships that they can build upon as they grow into strong leaders with rewarding professions.”

Callahan launched its partnership with Quincy High School in November of 2016 under the firm’s ongoing mission to provide local community support and engagement. As part of Quincy High School’s President’s Pathway initiative, Callahan educated a group of 30 senior-level students throughout the school year about the engineering and construction industry through job shadowing, active site visits and hands-on interaction. Four classes at Quincy High School participated in the student program—carpentry, electrical tech, plumbing technology and metal fabrication.

Callahan then invited select dedicated students from the program to join the team for a summer co-op, which provided students with extensive opportunities to apply skills on-site and experience the various stages of construction first-hand. The co-op helped these ambitious students dive deeper into the construction industry, form mentorships and build a foundation of real world experience. Each day brought new challenges, lessons and opportunities for growth. Callahan collaborated with Hines, the developer of Meriel Marina Bay, and The John Flatley Company, the developer of Crown Colony, to extend the opportunity to local students in the Quincy community.

“Quincy High School couldn’t be happier with the results of this program,” said Keith Segalla, executive director of career and technical education for Quincy Public Schools. “Callahan has helped our students build their passions and define their career paths. As a result of this co-op, one of our students hopes to pursue a career in underwater welding, while another student aspires to open a carpentry business. Our students have completed this program excited about their futures, and that’s priceless.”

“I especially enjoyed this program for the full view it gave me into the industry,” said Marcus Richardson, one of the graduates involved in the co-op program. “Not only did I gain early experience as a carpenter on a job site, but I also got a sneak peek into the management side of construction, which is important for building well-rounded views and skills in the trade.”

 As a family-owned, community focused business, Callahan’s Constructing Communities program reflects the firm’s commitment to the local economy and workforce. The program aims to inspire and mentor young people seeking to join the industry, and serve as a proactive neighbor throughout the communities in which Callahan works.

 Constructing Communities is one of the many ways Callahan engages in proactive community outreach efforts, which includes buying local, hiring local, and employing local trades people.  The company also actively participates in volunteer activities with local nonprofits. Select community organizations that Callahan has supported include Rosie’s Place, Caritas Communities, Cradles to Crayons, Heading Home, South Shore Habitat for Humanity and Friends of Boston Homeless, among others.