What Superintendents Really Leave Behind

Advocacy, mentorship + developing next-gen leaders   By Kiersten “KZ” Kaplan In more than 25 years in the industry, I’ve built almost everything except a bridge or a stadium. Today, I’m leading a major project in Baltimore, Maryland that will add more than a half-million square feet of life sciences research space. But it’s also an opportunity to reach more than 1,000 people, from carpenters and laborers to young professionals starting their careers. I’m at a point where I’m not just building projects; I’m building people. And that means I can help affect how my company shows up in our … Read more

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DPR Report: Labor Shortage Looms as Construction Rebounds

Just as individual market sectors are finding ways to move projects forward after a year of supply chain and cost turbulence, the ongoing labor shortage threatens to bog down construction unless owners and contractors embrace new approaches, according to the latest Market Conditions Report from DPR Construction. A recent survey by the Associated General Contractors of America and the national Center for Construction Education and Research showed: 88% of firms hiring craft workers and 80% employing salaried staff reported job openings, with similar percentages saying all of those positions are harder to fill than a year ago. 45% of respondents … Read more

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From the Field Up: Rethinking Career Paths in Construction

By Emory Sweeney Across the construction industry, companies are working to address the labor shortage by promoting the opportunities available in the skilled trades. For general contractors, the challenge is twofold: attracting new recruits while also supporting the career growth of current employees. A key part of this effort is shifting perceptions about what a career in the trades really looks like. Our industry already talks about changing the prevalent narrative in America that college and careers in services are the only path to success. We know the trades offer great earnings without college debt. One blind spot, however, has … Read more

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Young Women Inspired to Pursue Construction Careers at Design & Build Camp by DPR, Girls Inc.

By creating space for young women to discover and learn in a practical setting, DPR Construction and Girls Inc. are helping participants see themselves as future builders, engineers and leaders. That mission came to life at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia project site with joint venture partner L.F. Driscoll. DPR hosted a two-day Design & Build Camp. With a projected shortage of over two million skilled tradespeople by 2030 and women holding less than 4% of labor-based construction roles, diversifying the workforce is more urgent than ever. While the camp supports efforts to close this gap, its deeper purpose is rooted … Read more

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GE Johnson to Operate Under DPR Construction to Serve Customers in Mountain States

GE Johnson Construction Company will officially operate under the DPR Construction brand moving forward. This integration follows the successful acquisition of the company by DPR in 2021 and reflects the completion of key milestones, aligning both organizations to deliver enhanced capabilities and resources to customers in the Mountain States. Since joining the DPR family of companies, GE Johnson has operated as a standalone entity, maintaining its strong regional reputation and local focus. The integration marks the next phase in delivering on the promise of combining GE Johnson’s market expertise and building ingenuity with DPR’s national reach, global customer relationships, and … Read more

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