Suffolk launches spring 2018 trades partnership series

Roxbury, MA Suffolk will be launching its eighth annual Trades Partnership Series to assist minority, women and veteran-owned trade partner firms in fostering long-term relationships with Suffolk. Provided at no cost to selected participants, the eight-session program will begin Thursday, April 5th.

The Trades Partnership Series is part of Suffolk’s award-winning Learning + Development program, which continues to set the industry standard for construction training initiatives. The series will be offered exclusively to union and non-union trade partners that are certified by the Mass. Supplier Diversity Office or the City of Boston as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), or Veteran Owned Business Enterprise (VBE). Firms must also have been in business for a minimum of two years. The Suffolk Trades Partnership Series is conducted in partnership with the City of Boston, Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, Mayor’s Office of Small Business Development, Commonwealth of Mass. Supplier Diversity Office, Mass. Minority Contractors Association, and MP Boston.

“We are proud of the opportunities we have created for dozens of trade partners since launching this innovative program. Graduates develop solid partnerships and gain access to nurturing mentor/mentee relationships that have significantly grown their volume of work,” said Brooke Woodson, director of trade partner diversity at Suffolk. “It’s important to note this incredibly successful program would not be possible without the consistent support from the City of Boston and Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office.”

Participants of the Trades Partnership Series will learn firsthand about Suffolk’s “build smart” approach to construction management, including how Lean Construction principles are applied to projects and innovative, web-based collaboration tools result in an efficient document management process for all project stakeholders. The program will also feature a class designed to discuss the importance of developing strong relationships with union affiliations in order to gain greater access to Suffolk’s projects. Participants will also get training in Suffolk’s new Smart Lab and Scheduling Lab.

Each two-hour course will be presented in an interactive format and led by Suffolk executives and local industry experts. Classes will take place every Thursday from 6-8pm at Suffolk’s national headquarters in Roxbury. Attendance will be mandatory at all eight sessions for each selected trade partner. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a graduation certificate and have one-on-one access to Suffolk senior mentors.

The application deadline is Friday, March 16 at 5pm EDT. Selected participants will be notified by 5pm on Friday, March 23. All eligible firms are encouraged to apply. Space will be limited. 

For more information and to apply, visit www.suffolk.com/northeast-trades-partnership-series.