As anyone in commercial construction will attest, the industry has a labor shortage and a perception problem. The combination of those issues has led to an unsustainable craft workforce. Demand for skilled craft workers is greater than people looking for jobs. Baby Boomers are retiring and the millennial generation has not been attracted to… read more
The Construction Career Collaborative, or C3, has grown by leaps and bounds over the last year as a business alliance of owners, contractors and specialty contractors advocating to re-establish a highly-skilled and sustainable craft workforce for the future. We’re doing it by adhering to three principles on C3 projects: Financial security, health… read more
On July 12, MAREK held their 2017 Workforce Development Graduation, an annual event where the advancements of MAREK employees are recognized and celebrated with a dinner, remarks from company trainers and executives, and a keynote speaker from an industry leader. Prior to the ceremony in which each graduating helper, mechanic, and promoted… read more
On March 2nd, 2017, our Marek WFD team was given the opportunity to coach and mentor the students of the Booker T. Washington High School in a Framing and Drywall clinic. In this clinic, we were able to show over 40 Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors the best practices our company uses to be the best Drywall Contractor in Houston.The students showed… read more
It is always gratifying to witness a group of construction leaders gathering to discuss the state of our workforce and what might be done if we acted in concert.
I experienced that recently in Atlanta, Georgia at a meeting of the Construction Industry Employer's Roundtable. As a guest of MAREK and MEMCO Atlanta, I joined approximately 12… read more
One of the key success factors for Marek’s craft training program is the coaching component. Craft coaches must first become Coach Qualified before partnering with a trainee in the field to pass on their knowledge within a structured on-the-job training program.“It is important to learn all of the skills associated with a craft, but it is just as… read more
Earlier this summer, Marek sponsored the very first Texas A&M Summer Construction Academy, in partnership with TAMU Professor Dr. Edelmiro Escamilla, the TAMU College of Construction Science, and the GEAR UP Program.This career exploration program is part of a larger research initiative led by Dr. Escamilla’s team and designed to introduce and… read more
I’m always looking for things that are suitable to post on MAREK’s social media pages and website.One evening I was scrolling through Facebook, and I came across a post about MAREK that made me take a second and third look.This post was different. This person was no longer a MAREK employee – and yet he still feels MAREK pride and was excited to… read more
Peter Beard began his remarks by expressing his appreciation for the efforts of the coaches, mentors, and supervisors who help develop the skilled workforce, saying that Marek is a “bright spot” in addressing the critical challenge of meeting the industry’s need for skilled workers.
Prior to coming to work for Marek, Rivas attended the University of Texas at San Antonio for a couple of years. He has worked on the Phillips 66 and MD Anderson projects during his time so far at Marek. His goals include becoming a foreman with his own crew at Marek within the next five years, and ultimately to become a project manager for Marek.
In May, eighteen Booker T. Washington High School students participated in a Drywall Clinic hosted by Marek. The Architecture and Construction Academy students worked in three teams to layout, frame and sheetrock an 8x8 room.Guided by Marek Workforce Development representatives, each student team spent the morning on layout and framing – including… read more
Three of Marek’s Houston-based emerging leaders were honored in May at the ABC Leadership Forum Graduation. Roland Mercier, Glen Blaha and Shannon Zweifel join a number of legacy Marek program grads.The event, hosted at the Houston City Club, honored 26 program graduates from a variety of both general and specialty contractors. Significant others… read more
When Lee High School’s field trip to a construction jobsite was rained out late last month, Marek brought the jobsite to the school. Twenty Construction and Architecture Academy sophomores met with a panel of Marek representatives to learn about careers in construction. Donning their Marek PPE, students participated in a stretch and flex before… read more
There’s no doubt that education looks different in 2016. Students are provided with many opportunities to try and experience a variety of careers through technical schools, career fairs and internships. Marek teammates enjoy the time they get to spend with students, answering questions and providing a glimpse into the construction industry… read more
Have you ever been asked what you wanted to be when you grow up? When you answered, were you encouraged to explore these opportunities? Were your options limitless? On Saturday, April 9th, Houston ISD students did just that. Students ranging from kindergarten to seniors in high school were able to explore career opportunities and picture… read more
What starts here makes us stronger.More than 50 Marek Leaders convened in Houston on January 27th and 28th to capture the Strength from Within our talented field leadership. The conference focused on getting back to basics – those core best practices used every day at the gangbox.Attendees included 25 Field Leaders – a sampling of top Foremen,… read more
Students from Pasadena ISD’s Career & Technical High School walked away from Marek with tools for success this week. Mr. Garza’s Construction Technology class visited Marek offices on Wednesday, January 13th, where students participated in a hands-on power tools workshop, learned about construction safety, and tested out some of the latest… read more
Students from Booker T. Washington High School got the construction low down during the Introduction to Construction event presented by Marek in November. At Marek, we take pride in our employees and the future of our workforce. In order to continue to educate the future of the workforce, we partner with school districts to promote workforce… read more
Marek Dallas Division President John Hinson wrote the following President’s Message for AWCI's Construction Dimension magazine. Hinson is the 2015-2016 President of AWCI.I take great pleasure in complementing our craftsmen’s work. They have the talent and artistic ability to build today’s landmarks, and it takes years of training and… read more
It is always gratifying to witness a group of construction leaders gathering to discuss the state of our workforce and what might be done if we acted in concert.
I experienced that recently in Atlanta, Georgia at a meeting of the Construction Industry Employer's Roundtable. As a guest of MAREK and MEMCO Atlanta, I joined approximately 12… read more
There’s no doubt that education looks different in 2016. Students are provided with many opportunities to try and experience a variety of careers through technical schools, career fairs and internships. Marek teammates enjoy the time they get to spend with students, answering questions and providing a glimpse into the construction industry… read more