Gaines Invests in the Future of the Construction Industry: Providing Shadowing Opportunities for High Schoolers
Gaines and Company doesn’t just develop our own employees. We also provide career opportunities for the next generation through our internship program. We recently welcomed two high school seniors for a couple weeks of job shadowing, giving them a comprehensive view of what it takes to run a successful site development company.
Gerstell Academy’s Charlie Crawford and Gilman School’s Colton Danielcyk joined Gaines and Company for a couple weeks, getting hands-on experience in the office and on site. They reviewed OSHA regulations, read 3-D models, marked curb lines, and got an eye-opening view of the technology used behind-the-scenes of a construction project.
“This internship gave me a lot of experience. A lot of times, we can’t apply what we learn in the classroom. But here, it was cool to apply it and see how it actually happens in a real company,” said Charlie.
Colton added, “My biggest take away is to look at the big picture before you make assumptions. For example, when there is a lane closure, I’ll now look at it in terms of how much goes into fixing that street and piping underneath. I have a lot more empathy for why I am stopped now.”
At Gaines, we believe in a balanced, diverse workforce – from entry-level to those with years of experience. And our workforce reflects those beliefs. We invest in our young talent, as they are the future of our organization.
“The younger generation has more experience with AI, which now has a place in every industry,” said Colton. “We know how to use it as a tool but not a crutch.”
Gerstell Academy’s Charlie Crawford will attend Villanova in the Fall and plans to pursue Business.
Gilman School’s Colton Danielcyk will attend the University of Richmond this Fall to study Economics.
“Both Charlie and Colton have a bright future ahead of them,” said Vice President David Gaines. “They are enjoyable to work with and have good heads on their shoulders. I hope their short time with us launched an interest in pursuing a career in the Business world. If they keep studying and working hard, they will have a lot to offer their future employers. Who knows— maybe they will end up with Gaines someday!”
Gaines and Company is a full-service grading and excavation company with offices in Maryland, North Carolina, and the Eastern Shore. The organization has over 70 years of experience in underground utilities, grading and excavating, sediment and erosion controls, and road work. Gaines and Company delivers safe, reliable, turnkey site development services in Maryland, North Carolina, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, and Delaware on time and within budget.
