Miller Construction Co. Helps Young People Build a Future in Construction

Miller Construction Co

Miller Construction Co. Helps Young People Build a Future in Construction

Guided by general contractor Miller Construction Company, the teens were visiting the construction site of the new restaurant as it neared completion within the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel. They learned about the intricacies of the project from electricity and ventilation to decorative light fixtures. The students are members of The Generals Construction Club, a career-readiness program launched in 2007 by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County and supported by much area general design build contractor and subcontractors.

Tom Miller, CEO of Fort Lauderdale-based Miller Construction Company, co-founded The Generals Club to help Boys & Girls Clubs members recognize and consider the diverse career paths available in the construction industry. The program is based at the Thomas D. Stephanis Club facility, and is open to teens who are members of any Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County unit. Activities include field trips to construction sites, mentoring by construction professionals, a woodworking shop program and an annual career day.

"The Generals Club gives youngsters a first-hand look at a host of career possibilities," said Miller, who co-chairs the program and was honored recently by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County for his leadership in this and other programs. "At the same time, it begins to develop skilled and motivated workers who will be essential to the future of Broward's construction industry." Miller is a past chairman and past president of the Corporate Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County.

Through The Generals Club program, participants learn about an array of trades -- electricians, carpenters, plumbers, crane operators, construction superintendents and many others -- and the training needed and earning potential of each.

The funds to operate the program are raised from local businesses like Miller Construction and individual donors. Construction-related companies and interested individuals are asked to offer sites for field trips, become mentors, make cash donations or provide pre-drilled wood craft supplies and other materials. Many construction professionals have come forward as leaders in the effort, including The Generals Club co-founder and Stiles Chairman Terry Stiles, who was also honored recently for his role, and Jeff Slade of Miller Construction Company, Bob Case of The Case Team and Jim Robertson of Allegiance Crane & Equipment.

According to Brian Quail, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, the investment in The Generals Club today will pay dividends in the future. Since 2007, he said, more than 1,000 teens have participated in the program. "At the Boys & Girls Clubs, we deliver on three core programs for our kids: Academic Success, Good Character and Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles," he said. "Combining those basics with access to construction industry leaders helps students shape a more positive view of their own potential in whatever field they choose to pursue."

Miller (contractor FL) said that he's already seen evidence of the program's power to expand youngsters' career horizons. For example, Architect Tom DiGiorgio, Jr. of Pompano Beach has been mentoring a student who has an interest in architecture. Through The Generals Club, the teen has gained first-hand insight from DiGiorgio with "job shadowing" and discussions at the design firm.

"We're proud of our students' accomplishments through The Generals Club in the past three years," said Quail. "With additional support from the construction industry and others in the community, we know we will continue to grow the program and reach more young people."

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