Century College and Kraus-Anderson Receive $197,000 Grant to Develop Construction Technology Training

Century College, in partnership with Kraus-Anderson Construction Company, has been awarded a $197,000 Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP) grant to develop technical training that addresses emerging technologies in the commercial construction industry.

The training will focus on the high-tech integration of cutting-edge tools and materials as well as methods of construction delivery, project management and technology.

“This unique public-private partnership will showcase Century’s ability to work alongside a business to develop high-tech workforce solutions and customized training that not only improves processes but results in a better prepared and skilled workforce,” said Ron Anderson, president of Century College. “The partnership indicates the state’s commitment to innovative industry training at all levels. We are excited to be a part of this work.”

Kraus-Anderson director of education Mike Smoczyk agrees: “This funding is very timely, as we continue to forge ahead with a number of initiatives that integrate technology in the workplace in a way that enhances effectiveness, maximizes efficiency, and promotes communication and collaboration. With Century’s help, we plan to develop course content and to greatly expand our use and implementation of innovative construction technology.”

Century College and Kraus-Anderson will partner to develop training in Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), new construction materials and processes, and the use of mobile technologies. The project will enhance the methodologies of the construction industry and will showcase a highly-technical career path that uses advanced concepts in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

The partnership will elevate the awareness of Century College and Kraus-Anderson as innovators in STEM and high-tech skills training and development as well as establish outreach to groups typically underrepresented in the construction trades.

Some of the specifics of the project include refining protocols and developing training materials that integrate VDC and mobile applications, using VDC tools like Autodesk Revit for design, and processing work orders via iPad and iPhone applications.

Century College is the largest two-year institution in the Minnesota Community and Technical College System.

Kraus-Anderson Construction Company is one of the nation’s premier commercial general contractors and construction managers.

The Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership program works strategically with businesses and educational institutions to train or retrain workers, expand work opportunities, and keep high-quality jobs in the state.