Workforce development events at the University of the District of Columbia have produced real results for Firebirds—connecting students and alumni with job offers in the growing construction industry.

Held in collaboration with DC Builds DC—an employer-led, construction sector partnership supported by the Federal City Council and CityWorks DC that aims to broaden the District’s construction talent pipeline—these events provided valuable opportunities for UDC students to connect with industry leaders and explore career paths in some of the region’s most robust job sectors.

DC Builds DC partnered with UDC’s School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) on Sept. 23 for “Meet the GCs,” a construction management career panel where general contractors (GCs) and other industry professionals shared insights into the skills and credentials essential for success in the field. UDC engineering students gained firsthand knowledge of what employers prioritize, from project management to budgeting skills, equipping them with a clearer vision of how to translate their studies into rewarding careers. At this event, 17 UDC students received job offers, underscoring UDC’s commitment to blending classroom learning with career readiness.

Building on the success of Meet the GCs, UDC hosted a DC Builds DC hiring event on Oct. 22, where more than 70 applicants, including UDC students and graduates, received job offers. The event provided opportunities to network and interview with representatives from 15 of the area’s top construction companies, highlighting UDC’s role in connecting students with the region’s thriving construction industry.

UDC President Maurice D. Edington expressed pride in the university’s support of DC Builds DC and its goal of bringing more UDC students into the construction talent pipeline. “We are proud to be part of this innovative partnership,” Edington said. “These events provide career-building opportunities for our students and graduates to thrive in one of the largest sectors of the region’s economy.”

“By creating practical, real-world experiences for students, UDC is helping to build a bridge from the classroom to the workforce, empowering graduates to secure quality jobs in high-demand fields,” he said. “The university’s partnership with DC Builds DC exemplifies our commitment to fostering economic growth and preparing students to make meaningful contributions to the District and across the DMV.”

Through initiatives like these, UDC is advancing its strategic focus on innovation and transformation, reinforcing its role as a leader in workforce development and economic mobility. These events ensure students gain the skills and connections they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market, fulfilling UDC’s mission to serve as both an educational institution and a workforce engine for the nation’s capital.