Billerica, MA – Windover Construction recently completed a new 6,300sf training facility for Gould Construction Institute (GCI), expanding the school’s hands-on educational opportunities. GCI is the education and training affiliate of Associated Builders and Contractors of Massachusetts (ABC MA).
The state-of-the-art facility is designed to expand and enhance the institute’s offerings and provide students with quality training for all construction phases, from HVAC to electric and carpentry. Representatives say the need for the institute’s first brick-and-mortar training facility was critical as its current model of renting space for night classes became increasingly difficult. With the new facility, GCI can now offer daytime training classes in its own facility, which includes classrooms, shop spaces, and virtual simulators. Additionally, GCI and ABC MA, in conjunction with its Building Mass Careers workforce development affiliate, will offer programs to bring more people into the trades, such as pre-apprenticeship programs, summer camps, and career fairs.
Windover completed the construction on a fast-track, 12-week schedule to have the space ready for the start of the fall semester. In addition to the demolition of the existing space, the project scope included reworking the building layout and access points, and installing new MEP systems. Windover partnered with several ABC MA members on the project, which Upland Architects designed. The ABC members involved in the project include Medford Wellington Service, Interstate Electrical Services, Karma Contract Flooring, Maguire Company, Metro Walls, Piping Systems, Superior Contracting Services, Tim’s Fabricators, and W.T. Kenney.
“At the heart of every successful project is a skilled workforce, and training the next generation to enter the trades is essential for the future of our industry,” said Randy Catlin, Windover’s EVP and COO, and ABC MA board member. “Windover was proud to partner with GCI, ABC, and fellow ABC members on this exciting training facility and help build this foundation for long-term growth, innovation, and quality craftsmanship.”
