JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — SUNY Jamestown Community College has received a $200,000 grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation to support and expand the college’s Construction Technology workforce training program over the next three years.
The funding will help the college purchase industry-standard equipment and tools, enhance marketing and outreach efforts, and reduce the cost of the program for students entering the skilled trades workforce.
The Construction Technology program, offered through JCC Workforce Development, prepares students for careers in the construction industry through hands-on training and instruction from experienced professionals. The next cohort begins Monday, Aug. 3, and concludes Thursday, Jan. 14, 2027. The program runs in collaboration with the Builders Exchange of the Southern Tier, the City of Jamestown, and Jamestown Public schools.
“The biggest issues our local construction industry faces are labor shortages, retirements outpacing new hires, and the challenge to attract, train, and retain craft workers,” said John Healy, president and CEO of the Builders Exchange. “There is a critical need in Chautauqua County, across the state, and nationwide to promote the trades and bring new people into the industry. With the initial grant funding from the City, we created a great partnership with the City of Jamestown, Jamestown Public Schools, and Jamestown Community College to build a program that introduces students to construction, giving them the opportunity to explore various trades while preparing them for their first job in the industry.”
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation grant alongside American Rescue Plan Act funds from the City of Jamestown also aided the purchase of a building in Jamestown. The intention of this facility is to help grow the Construction Technology program and provide a dedicated location for other skilled trades programs to prosper.
“The goal is for graduating students to enter directly into the construction workforce or join a union affiliated apprentice program. An investment in construction workforce development is an investment for our communities, our economy, and our future,” said Healy.
The program is structured into three modules: core Safety, foundational skills, and skilled trades. Through the Wilson Foundation’s support, the nearly $5,000 program will continue to be offered at a significantly reduced cost of approximately $500 for the full program or $250 per individual module. Additional financial assistance is expected to be available through the JCC Foundation and local workforce development boards for eligible participants.
“The City of Jamestown used some of the American Rescue Plan Act funds it was awarded to seed fund this workforce development initiative with the Builders Exchange,” said Aili Makuch, economic development coordinator for the City of Jamestown. “We are so pleased to see how the Construction Technology program has blossomed, and how it continues to grow through extensive collaboration with JCC’s Workforce Development staff.”
JCC officials said the investment will strengthen the college’s ability to address regional workforce shortages in the construction and skilled trades industries while expanding access to affordable workforce training opportunities.
“Our Construction Technology program connects students with experienced industry professionals who bring real-world knowledge directly into the classroom,” said Shannon Rinow, program manager for JCC Workforce Development. “This approach is already producing results. One recent graduate was hired by VT Power and Lighting after completing a job shadow. We look forward to strengthening employer partnerships through additional guest speakers, job shadows, and career opportunities for our students.”
The program emphasizes practical, hands-on instruction designed to prepare students for immediate employment opportunities in residential and commercial construction fields. Topics include workplace safety, carpentry fundamentals, drywall repair, home maintenance, plumbing, residential electrical systems, and energy basics.
Individuals interested in enrolling in the August cohort are encouraged to apply early due to limited space. For more information visit sunyjcc.edu/programs/Construction-Tech-Workforce.