Construction Inclusion Week invites our industry to reflect on how we can create a more diverse, skilled, and sustainable workforce. At W. M. Jordan Company, we believe inclusion begins with access; access to training, access to opportunity, and access to facilities that empower people to pursue meaningful careers in the skilled trades. Our partnerships with trade schools and community colleges are central to that mission, and two recent projects demonstrate how purpose‑built learning environments can strengthen communities and expand career pathways.
Virginia Peninsula Community College Newport News Trades Center
In Newport News, Virginia, W. M. Jordan provided design‑build services for the Virginia Peninsula Community College Newport News Trades Center, a 16,100‑square‑foot workforce development facility built to meet the region’s growing demand for skilled trades professionals. The center features modern classrooms, hands‑on shop spaces, offices, common areas, and a welcoming lobby that supports instruction in welding, marine electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and other high‑demand fields.
Its downtown location places students close to major maritime and manufacturing employers, creating a direct pipeline between training and long‑term career opportunities. VPCC’s programs are already filling quickly, and the building is buzzing with activity as students gain the technical skills needed to enter stable, well‑paying careers. By expanding access to trades education, the Newport News Trades Center helps strengthen the local workforce while opening doors for individuals who may not have previously seen a path into construction or related industries.
Cape Fear Community College A.D. “Zander” Guy Building Expansion
In North Carolina, W. M. Jordan partnered with Cape Fear Community College to expand the A.D. “Zander” Guy Building, adding 10,781 square feet of flexible instructional space designed to support future workforce growth. The expansion includes four general‑purpose classrooms, two specialized labs dedicated to economic and workforce development training, and a fully equipped biology/chemistry laboratory with adjacent prep rooms. Additional offices, restrooms, mechanical rooms, and support spaces enhance the building’s functionality and allow CFCC to serve more students pursuing technical and career‑focused programs.
Creating Inclusive Pathways Into Construction Careers
Both projects reflect a core belief at W. M. Jordan: building strong communities starts with building opportunities. By partnering with trade schools and community colleges, we help create environments where students can gain confidence, develop technical skills, and envision a future in construction or related industries.
These facilities create avenues of employment for individuals from all backgrounds. They help close workforce gaps, support local industries, and ensure the next generation of builders, technicians, and trades professionals has access to high‑quality training close to home.
Construction Inclusion Week reminds us that inclusion is not a single initiative—it’s a commitment woven into the way we build, hire, train, and collaborate. W. M. Jordan is proud to support institutions that share this commitment and to help shape the future of the construction workforce through thoughtful, community‑driven projects.