Producer Member of the Month: C.R. Jackson Invests in Young People through Summer Internship Program!

  

Clayton Burke, 2019 Summer Intern and current full-time employee

One of the greatest challenges we all face in the highway heavy industry is a shortage of qualified individuals interested in working as hard as we do. One of the ways that C.R. Jackson, Inc. (CRJ) is attempting to address this concern is through its summer internship program. CRJ started this initiative many years ago, but in 2017 it began better defining the structure to accomplish specific goals. Their guiding principles were twofold – 1) identify and invest in people who had plans of working in the construction industry once they were finished with their education and 2) bolster its existing crews with humble, energetic and ambitious young people who could creatively solve problems and add energy to our operations. CRJ feels that it has successfully accomplished both goals for the past 4 years and it is a better company because of it.

CRJ has had the privilege of getting to know some of the hardest-working, brightest and positive young people who have made a lasting impact on its workforce. These individuals gain exposure to the asphalt paving industry, one that is simultaneously challenging and rewarding. They have learned the non-negotiable value of attention to safety and how vital it is to the company and industry. They have witnessed projects from beginning to completion and know they played a vital role in that process.

Several of the interns have become full-time employees after graduation. CRJ has had students from Lander University, Clemson University, Winthrop University, The Citadel, and University of South Carolina participate in the internship program. Clayton Burke, 2019 Summer Intern and current full-time employee says, “The internship program made me aware of the varied opportunities there are in the construction field for young people. C.R. Jackson does an excellent job of providing those opportunities to students and allowing them to see what the future can hold for them in construction.” C.R. Jackson, Inc.’s approach is to rotate the intern to several different crews and operations throughout his or her summer months to allow them to understand how grading, asphalt plant operations, and paving all fit together and that each area of our business is dependent on the other to be successful. Benji Vinson, CRJ's Midlands Division Manager says, “Our internship program has created a positive relationship between C.R. Jackson and a future pipeline of talent for our company. Our foremen have been impressed with the work ethics and attitudes of the young people who have participated. They love getting selected to have an intern on their crew during the summer because they have had such positive experiences with the program in the past.”

CRJ has an Intern Coordinator who cultivates a relationship with each intern before, throughout, and even after the internship is complete. Ryan Reedy worked with CRJ during the summers while he was a student at USC from 2003-2006 before becoming a full-time employee in 2007. Currently, Ryan is the Field Safety Coordinator, and each summer he also assumes the role of Intern Coordinator. He is who the interns look to for guidance throughout their time with the company. He facilitates monthly meetings/reviews between the intern and his or her current supervisor. Ryan says, “I really enjoy my responsibility with the internship program at C.R. Jackson. It gives me an opportunity to interact with great people who have an interest in our industry and show them why construction is a desirable career choice. I love seeing the students grow in their operational knowledge as well as personal awareness throughout the months they work with us.” Ryan spends time with the interns to ensure they are gaining valuable experience and takes feedback on meaningful ways the company can enhance the program. 

The summer internship program has had a lasting impact on its company and culture. CRJ is committed to being the best it can be for many years, and it feels that its investment in young people contributes to it being better prepared for that future. 

Thank you, C.R. Jackson, for being SCAPA's Featured Producer Member of the Month and for your continued support!