Increased Training Opportunities
GST Michigan Works! has had the privilege of working with Andrea Alvarez at Fessler & Bowman for the last three (3) years. Andrea, the Director of Workforce Development, has taken the team at Fessler & Bowman to new levels. She has made a huge impact as she has single-handedly increased the training opportunities for the employees at the company in her short tenure there.
In the fall of 2022, Andrea decided to apply for the Going PRO Talent Fund. Due to her efforts, Fessler & Bowman was awarded an FY23 Going PRO award of $175,840.00. The ability to train a large number of employees with the Going PRO reimbursement energized Andrea to apply again.
Since the company was planning to do the training anyway, this funding allowed Andrea to utilize the Going PRO reimbursement to purchase a simulator trailer. The simulator provides hands-on training to new employees (and current employees) to increase their knowledge of operating heavy equipment. Even our CEO, Jody Kerbyson, had the opportunity to try out the simulator while touring the company’s beautiful, new, state-of-the-art facility.
In addition, Fessler & Bowman brought the simulator to the GST Michigan Works! MiCareerQuest East event and it was a huge hit! The students loved the ability to try their hand at operating heavy equipment in a video-game style simulation.
Fessler & Bowman decided to apply for a GPTF FY24 Cycle 1 award and were again successful. This time, they were awarded $498,000. They were successful in scheduling numerous training courses to capture a total of $372,000 of their award. They trained a total of 88 apprentices in varying positions, including laborers, operators, carpenters, and cement masons.
During that cycle, there was a $500 incentive (over and above their grant) for any employer who hired individuals who fit into any of the following categories: older workers, veterans, active military reservists, justice-involved citizens, individuals with a disability, or individuals receiving public assistance. Fessler & Bowman hired twelve (12) individuals age 55 or older and two (2) individuals receiving public assistance, as part of their Going PRO new hires. GST Michigan Works! was able to add $7,000 to Fessler and Bowman’s Going PRO reimbursement.
Andrea shared, “Investing in our team’s professional development demonstrates the company’s commitment to their growth, increasing job satisfaction, and retention. Employees who feel confident in their skills are more engaged, take greater pride in their work, and positively contribute to the company’s culture. Building successful, long-lasting relationships with our customers is at the heart of everything we do, and well-trained employees consistently deliver high-quality results, strengthening the company’s reputation and positioning us as a continued leader in the industry.”
Andrea also states, “Cindy and Laura continue to set a standard of excellence with every interaction. GPTF has enabled Fessler & Bowman to provide our team with cutting-edge workforce development opportunities. We are so appreciative! Thank you so much! It’s always such a pleasure working with you!”
“Thanks to Going PRO grant funding, we’re training more apprentices, shaping future leaders through our youth programs, and upskilling our team with hands-on learning that fuels real career growth. This investment is building a stronger, safer, and more skilled workforce, ensuring our industry thrives for generations to come. Construction isn’t just about what we build—it’s about who we build, and we’re just getting started.” – ANDREA ALVAREZ | DIRECTOR OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT