SIUE Construction Management Major

Western’s internship/recruitment program exposes college students to careers in specialty contracting

Western Specialty Contractors recently presented Joel Sipe, a sophomore and Construction Management major at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), with a scholarship. Western provides the SIUE School of Engineering’s Department of Construction with a scholarship annually. The awarding criteria and recipient of the scholarship is determined by Department of Construction faculty.

Western Human Resources Director Maria Traina and Region Manager Jim Rechtin, Jr. presented Sipe with the scholarship during the SIUE School of Engineering’s Honors Day on April 15.

To expose college students to careers in specialty contracting and begin developing qualified employees to fill its management positions long-term, Western Specialty Contractors, the nation’s largest specialty contractor in masonry and concrete restoration, waterproofing and roofing, recruits candidates from leading construction management colleges and universities across the country for its comprehensive, hands-on internship program.

Those who take part in Western’s internship program have the opportunity to gain much more than traditional work experience. With various levels of opportunities and an individual approach, Western’s interns are exposed to everything from sales and project management to work in the field.

Those who remain in the internship program have great promotion opportunities. Western typically hires 60-70% of internship program participants, and will promote them to a management position on average within five years. Over 85% of Western’s managers have been promoted from within the company.

Initiative and hard work are rewarded with competitive salaries, excellent benefits and a 401K match, and tuition reimbursement, as well as advancement opportunities.

For more information about Western’s college recruiting and internship programs, visit www.westernspecialtycontractors.com/careers/college-recruiting/.

Family-owned and operated for more than 100 years, Western Specialty Contractors is the nation’s largest specialty contractor in masonry and concrete restoration, waterproofing and specialty roofing. For more information about Western Specialty Contractors, visit www.westernspecialtycontractors.com.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured from left to right: Western Specialty Contractors Human Resources Director Maria Traina, scholarship recipient Joel Sipe and Western Region Manager Jim Rechtin, Jr.