National Apprenticeship Week, November 17-23, 2024, is here, and Adolfson & Peterson Construction (AP) is thrilled to join the celebration of a powerful pathway to career success and workforce development. At AP, we believe apprenticeships are essential for both our industry and the individuals entering skilled trades, and we’re proud to see these relationships thriving across all AP regions.
Our apprenticeship programs open doors to diverse career paths in construction, allowing participants to gain practical experience, hone valuable skills, and embark on rewarding careers in construction. Here’s a closer look at how our apprenticeships are shaping lives and careers, through the voices of a few AP team members across the country.
“Apprenticeship programs offer training and skills development for the apprentices that not only help the individual grow but also align with the skilled trade needs of AP,” Cole Ray, Superintendent II at AP said. Apprenticeships are a unique two-way street, providing tangible benefits to both the organization and the skilled tradespeople we work alongside. Apprenticeships offer individuals an opportunity to build a strong foundation in construction without needing prior experience, setting them up for a successful lifelong career.
Through apprenticeships, we’re also able to instill AP’s values of safety and reliability from day one. This hands-on learning experience ensures apprentices understand AP’s culture and methods, enhancing our ability to maintain high standards and consistent practices across projects. It also gives AP the chance to identify future leaders early on, nurturing them from the very beginning of their careers as they progress from apprentices to supervisors, project managers, and beyond.
One of the most powerful aspects of apprenticeships at AP is the exposure they provide to a wide range of career trajectories. “Apprenticeship programs can help individuals gain experience and learn the ins and outs of the company and industry,” Ray highlighted.
Throughout their apprenticeship journey, individuals work alongside seasoned tradespeople, learning directly from those who have chosen different career paths. They meet field supervisors, safety and quality professionals, and even those who have risen to senior management from apprentice roles. This immersive experience not only builds trade-specific skills but also showcases the diverse career opportunities AP offers.
The construction industry has been grappling with a shortage of skilled tradespeople in recent years, making apprenticeship programs more critical than ever. National Apprenticeship Week helps spotlight the numerous benefits apprenticeships offer, not just as a short-term job but as a pathway to a fulfilling career. “Today’s construction trades are experiencing a major shortage of people willing to work with their hands,” Jack Webber, Director Operations (Field) highlighted. “Apprenticeship programs are a conduit for increasing the skilled labor market through learning and development all while earning a very nice living.”
Apprenticeship programs are critical to addressing the skills gap by equipping individuals with the skills they need to thrive and succeed in the construction industry. They create sustainable career pathways for skilled tradespeople, ensuring the next generation of construction professionals is ready to meet the demands of tomorrow.
As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we’re proud to spotlight the impact of apprenticeships in shaping our workforce, fostering professional growth, and building a brighter future for AP and the industry as a whole. Apprenticeships are more than just training programs. They are a launching pad for careers that contribute to our communities and create lasting value in the built environment. For those considering a career in construction, we invite you to explore opportunities at AP and see where this pathway might lead you.
As the Director of Operations—Field, Jack Webber works directly with the Regional Leadership Team to develop and implement strategic business plans with all project teams, specifically with field staff from assistant superintendents to the General Superintendent. He believes that success is measured by the performance of project teams and the upward trajectory of field staff career paths. Jack understands that developing individuals results in strong project management teams and leads to overall company vitality.
Jack has received numerous project management accolades from owners, design professionals and tradespeople, including awards for AIA collaboration and Project of the Year and numerous Owner Recognition awards. Jack drives the AP Regional Safety Committee with consistently high levels of effectiveness.
A LEED-accredited professional, Jack has completed multiple Silver and Gold-certified projects. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business and Economics from Cornell College, and has completed additional engineering education.
With over 18 years of dedicated service to the company, Cole is a seasoned leader with a deep passion for building the future—both in the structures he creates and the talent he nurtures. Specializing in educational projects, he has successfully managed more than 40 projects, representing over $640 million in value.
Cole is not only a master of his craft but also a mentor and guide for the next generation of construction professionals. He is deeply committed to fostering young talent, sharing his expertise, and highlighting the rewarding career path that construction has provided him.
A respected leader in the field, Cole is known for his dedication to quality, his ability to inspire teams, and his unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional results. His work helps ensure that schools and learning environments are built to the highest standards—leaving a lasting legacy for students and communities alike.
