Building Success: Fessler & Bowman’s Journey with Going PRO Talent Funds

In November 2022, Fessler & Bowman began working on their FY23 Cycle 1 Going PRO application. Fessler & Bowman anticipated they would have current employees train in the following courses: Project Management, Blueprint and Estimating, Procore Field Applications, Utility Locating/Damage Prevention, and Construction Supervision. They applied in the total amount of $175,840.00.  

Fessler & Bowman was very excited to learn that their application had been awarded and they could start the training they had anticipated.  After completing two of the training courses, Fessler & Bowman’s Director of Workforce Development, Andrea Alvarez, and GST Michigan Works! Business Service Manager, Cindy Thornthwaite discussed the possibility of completing a modification of their award to include apprenticeships.  Fessler & Bowman has many apprentices on staff, and they are also placing new hires into apprenticeship programs.

A modification was completed to include training 46 apprentices, both current and new incoming apprentices on staff.  Fessler & Bowman work directly with the following unions to train apprentices – Flint Laborers Local 1075; LiUNA; Michigan Statewide Carpenters & Millwrights; Flint Cement Masons Local; Flint Carpenters Local 706; Road Operators 324; and Operator Building Flint 324.  Since safety is a number one priority for Fessler & Bowman, many of the apprentices were trained in Asbestos awareness, Hazard communication, Construction math, Forklift and Aerial lifts, Scaffolding, and OSHA 30 training.  This helps to ensure the safety of all employees at Fessler & Bowman.

Upon completing the FY23 Cycle 1 Going PRO award, Fessler & Bowman trained 46 apprentices (15 current and 31 new) with a total reimbursement of $175,400.00.

Per Andrea Alvarez, Director of Workforce Development at Fessler & Bowman, “Thank you, again, for all your help. I can’t say enough about how this experience has positively impacted our team members.  We appreciate you!”

Since Fessler & Bowman had such a great experience with Going PRO in 2023, they completed an application for the FY24 Cycle 1 period.  This time, they were extremely excited to be awarded $498,000.00.  Per Andrea, “You made my day (my week, my month)!”

GST Michigan Works! looks forward to our continued partnership with Fessler & Bowman and assisting them with their Going PRO Talent Fund Award.