The Mentor-Protégé Program at Pitt provides incentives for contractors who are committed to developing small construction firms in the area.
To participate in the program, both mentor and protégé teams are required to commit to a robust construction management training program which may include training sessions, networking and on-the-job development opportunities.
Ten Mentor-Protégé teams are in place, building strong and engaged relationships between mentors and proteges, strengthening construction and providing additional, valuable construction resource options in the Pittsburgh area.
The North Campus Chiller Plant is located within an area of campus that is defined as the Hill District and its development process included civic consultation with the Hill Community Development Corporation’s Development Review Panel. As part of the development effort, a talent development opportunity was identified to increase the number of operating engineers locally. Facilities Management developed and launched the Operating Engineer Apprenticeship Program in 2021 in partnership with the Hill CDC and the University of Pittsburgh’s Hill District Community Engagement Center (CEC).
The program is designed to train local residents to develop the skills to become a building maintenance mechanic, providing a pathway for future job opportunities and growth.
The apprenticeship model combines on-the-job training with related classroom-based instruction, while earning a salary and University benefits outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the University and Union. As an apprentice, candidates receive forty-eight months or 8,320 hours of on-the-job training which covers all aspects of the duties of a stationary engineer.
Operating engineer apprentices are required to attend and successfully complete a minimum of eight core classes, one every six months, each lasting 16 weeks. At the successful completion of the apprenticeship program, candidates will be eligible to work as an operating engineer, furthering their career.
Operating engineers are responsible for safe operation and maintenance of a wide range of equipment related to the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. This equipment may include air-handlers, boilers, chillers, and associated building automation controls, a vital part of Planning, Design and Construction’s core functions.
Learn more about the Apprentice Operating Engineer Program and how it has positively impacted those involved.
To increase small and local participation in construction projects and facilities services contracts, encompassing both professional and construction areas, Planning, Design and Construction continues to promote opportunity to create a more resilient regional economy.
Planning, Design and Construction continues to engage with communities and become an active leader in ensuring all residents and businesses across our region have access to Pitt’s economic opportunities. As examples, the team is working with the First Source Center in Hill District and Hill District CEC, partnering on Chilled Water Project.
The team is also working with UPMC and Turner Construction to host a 3-month Construction Management Training course that focuses on networking with local established contractors for partnering opportunities. This outreach and networking effort is coupled with learning opportunities, designed to strengthen community relationships and provide additional growth opportunities.
Our goal is to increase small and local participation. To achieve this, we connect with community members and local organizations to source minority contractors that are interested in doing business with Pitt. The Purchase, Pay and Travel site has additional information and resources for supporting local and small businesses in the effort to strengthen the regional economy.