SIUE, IDOT partner for construction education program

"A $2 million agreement among a joint venture including SIUE was finalized Thursday to improve the qualifications of minority construction workers.

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced a partnership with SIUE, Southwestern Illinois College and Metro-East Black Contractors Organization to help minorities achieve employment in local highway construction projects at a press conference Thursday.

IDOT Secretary Milton Sees has worked on this project since January 2006 and said the program is about enhancing minorities' employment qualifications.

"(The training program) will increase employment opportunities for minorities and women by preparing these individuals for placement and retention in the highway construction industry," Sees said. "This program will provide participants with realistic career paths."

MEBCO President William Mason said he believes theopportunities should become more available for minorities if they are properly trained in all aspects of the industry.

"Too often (construction projects) tell me that we just don't have qualified people," Mason said. "Well, we're going to provide for you people who are qualified now."

MEBCO will offer marketing, recruitment and mentoring courses as a part of the program, while SWIC will provide admission procedures and conduct training classes.

SWIC President Georgia Costello said the agreement was a necessary step to solving a long-time problem.

"We are so thrilled and excited that we're standing here today in a collaborative partnership," Costello said. "Ladies and gentlemen, I say to you today, this is the way it should be."

The idea for the program came about when MEBCO showed concern over local highway projects like the Interstate 64 expansion not having enough minority hires.

Southern Illinois University President Glenn Poshard said the agreement is an opportunity for minorities to level the playing field in attempting to find a career.

"We believe these agreements will lead to a more diverse workforce by broadening the pool of qualified applicant for construction related employment," Poshard said. "We're ready, we're willing and with the strong leadership present, we'll be able to make this effort a success."

SIUE's role in the partnership will be in an administrative overview capacity.

Both Poshard and Costello talked about the responsibility of their respective institutions to the area. SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift said both schools have history on their side when partnering together.

"SWIC and SIUE have had a longstanding tradition of working together for the benefit of the region," Vandegrift said. "Our two institutions have not only helped students reach their full potential, but the result of that endeavor has created strong economic development for the region."

Clayton Harris, deputy chief of staff for Gov. Rod Blagojevich, was also present at the press conference and said while the program itself is something to be proud of, it also says a lot about the Metro-East.

"The fact that the program will be here and administered here speaks wonders to the area," Harris said. "We're very proud and very happy to be on campus." Courtesy of Alestlelive.com, 9/16/2008.