Company’s Powerproject scheduling platform helps underserved Chicago residents launch construction careers, address industry’s labor shortage
HOUSTON, TX, UNITED STATES, August 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The construction industry is facing a workforce shortage that extends well beyond the skilled trades. According to the 2026 AGC/Sage Construction Hiring and Business Outlook, 82% of contractors report difficulty filling hourly craft positions, while 80% struggle to hire salaried professionals, including project managers, estimators, engineers, and supervisors.
One organization helping address that challenge is the Chicago-based Revolution Workshop. Not only is the nonprofit expanding the construction industry’s talent pipeline, it’s doing so by training underserved individuals who have historically faced barriers to employment in the construction industry. Over time, these workers can help meet the industry’s workforce needs at every level, from the jobsite to project leadership.
PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
Technology plays an integral role in the workshop’s approach. To that end, they use Eleco’s Powerproject scheduling software to give trainees practical experience with an industry-leading project scheduling platform. By providing the software at no cost, Eleco is giving participants exposure to the digital tools increasingly expected on today’s construction projects.
Powerproject is distributed to Revolution Workshop through Project Integration, a provider of construction project management software, implementation, training, and consulting services.
“Construction is becoming increasingly technology-driven; familiarity with professional software can make a meaningful difference when someone interviews for a job,” said Phil Stearney, Professional Pathways Instructor at Revolution Workshop. “Our trainees learn the fundamentals of project scheduling and gain experience using the same type of software they’ll encounter in the field.”
Revolution Workshop operates two pre-apprenticeship programs serving residents of Chicago’s South and West sides. Its 12-week Trades Pathways program prepares participants for skilled trades careers; its 15-week Professional Pathways program introduces students to office-based construction roles, including project coordination, scheduling, and related disciplines.
Recruitment is conducted through more than 30 community organizations, including schools, workforce agencies, and reentry programs. Participants receive technical instruction alongside career coaching, mentoring, and ongoing support designed to help them not only secure employment but build lasting careers.
The organization’s commitment extends well beyond graduation. Revolution Workshop maintains active relationships with approximately 70 percent of its more than 500 graduates, offering continuing career guidance, networking opportunities and transitional employment through its in-house social enterprise.
BUILDING CAREERS & FINANCIAL FUTURES
“Construction is the vehicle we use to help people achieve financial stability and long-term opportunity,” said Megan Lydon, Director of Development for Revolution Workshop. “We’re not simply preparing someone for their first job; we’re helping people build careers, strengthen their financial futures, and create lasting change for themselves and their families.”
Within the Professional Pathways program, Powerproject introduces trainees to core scheduling concepts such as activity sequencing, task dependencies, and critical path scheduling. Students use the software to build real-world project schedules, giving them firsthand experience with professional scheduling workflows rather than relying on basic spreadsheets.
“Today’s construction professionals need to understand much more than how projects are built; they need to know how projects are planned, coordinated, and managed,” said Stearney. “Giving trainees exposure to professional scheduling software helps them speak the language of modern construction and demonstrates to employers that they’re ready to contribute.”
For Eleco, supporting Revolution Workshop reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening the construction industry by investing in its future workforce.
“Revolution Workshop is doing remarkable things by opening doors for individuals who might otherwise never have the opportunity to pursue careers in construction,” said David Hernandez, Head of Operations for Eleco US. “We’re proud to support that mission by helping trainees develop digital skills that will benefit them throughout their careers.”
Arthur Sesnovich
Bulldog Communications
+1 508-612-4179
email us here
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