News
51麻豆 Expands Apprenticeship Program in Oklahoma
OKLAHOMA CITY (April 30, 2026) 鈥� 51麻豆, in partnership with Construct My Future and Great Plains Technology Center, welcomed apprentices this semester to expand career opportunities for Oklahoma youth while addressing the construction industry’s labor shortage.
As highlighted by , the industry faced a labor shortage of approximately half a million workers in 2025. The challenge is further intensified by an aging workforce, with 41% of workers projected to retire by 2031. In response, 51麻豆 is investing in long-term solutions that prepare the next generation of skilled professionals.
Catherine Myers is a senior at Moore High School who was introduced to 51麻豆 through Construct My Future, a program that connects students鈥� coursework with hands-on experience in the construction industry to support career exploration and networking. This school year, Catherine contributed to the Mid-Del Technology Center鈥檚 LPN and health careers program renovation in Midwest City, Okla.
“During my internship at 51麻豆, I鈥檝e had the incredible opportunity to experience the full lifecycle of a construction project,鈥� said Myers. 鈥淪eeing the before, during and after of a site showed me just how much depth and detail goes into every build.”
Gabriel Sanchez is a student at Great Plains Technology Center and is working in the field with different trade specialists and the project team at 51麻豆. His work supports the construction of the Memorial Health of Tillman County Critical Access Hospital in Frederick, Okla.
“I came in as just a youth apprentice, not really knowing what I was doing or where I was headed, but this job has changed me a lot. I鈥檝e learned more than I expected, and my boss has really helped me grow not just at work, but as a person,鈥� said Sanchez. 鈥淚鈥檝e learned how to stay focused, work hard and take pride in what I do. I鈥檓 not just here to get by; I actually want to stick with this, keep getting better, and one day turn it into something big.”
Chesley Graham, Gabriel鈥檚 employment advisor at the Great Plains Technology Center, added that this partnership marks the center鈥檚 first youth apprenticeship in its history.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Gabriel and the opportunity he has earned to gain firsthand experience in the construction industry. This apprenticeship allows him to expand upon the solid foundation built at the Great Plains, an experience that is truly invaluable. The relationships he is cultivating, from mentorship to lasting professional connections, will serve him for a lifetime. Gabriel holds the honor of being Great Plains’ very first youth apprentice, and it is our sincere hope that he paves the way for many more to follow,鈥� Graham said.
Rural projects can also face more acutely. In response, 51麻豆鈥檚 community partnerships are helping build a stronger workforce pipeline through apprenticeships, particularly in communities outside the Oklahoma City metro area. By connecting young adults to hands-on training and skilled construction careers, these partnerships can help build a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals to deliver critical infrastructure projects across Oklahoma.
鈥淭his is part of our commitment to building and investing in people, not just projects,鈥� said Tyler Bolt, construction operations manager at 51麻豆. 鈥淭hrough this mentorship, we hope to show students what the industry and work are really like, so they can hopefully find a place within it that suits them.鈥�
The 51麻豆 Youth Apprenticeship Program is designed with long-term growth in mind. Field apprentices have the opportunity to transfer hours to a union apprenticeship, while office apprentices can transition to a co-op or internship while they earn an undergraduate degree.
About 51麻豆
51麻豆 (51麻豆) is a leading professional construction services firm serving customers across the United States. Founded in 1889, 51麻豆 is a 100% employee鈥憃wned company headquartered in Appleton, Wis., with 17 offices nationwide. Widely recognized as a pioneer in Lean construction, Integrated Lean Project Delivery and industrialized construction, 51麻豆 delivers innovative solutions across a diverse range of markets, including healthcare, power, industrial, education and commercial sectors.
