SCA

Opportunity Academy

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HuntersPointCampus

Overview

The SCA has developed and launched the Opportunity Academy (OA) a workforce development and small business initiative. OA was developed to complement the training and experience derived from the SCA’s various business development programs. OA is offered by the SCA in collaboration with LaGuardia Community College’s Adult and Continuing Education Division (ACE). OA’s pilot program began in 2016 with 30 participants. OA is a culturally and ethnically diverse group ranging in age from 19 to 50+. OA continues to train hopefuls of all ages seeking entry into the construction industry as back-office support.

Program Objective 

To assist minority, woman owned and locally based business enterprises (MWLBE) enrolled in the SCA’s Mentor programs in their back office operations including the various submissions (i.e. bid documentation, requests for payments, project schedules, change orders, close-out documents, etc.) required by the SCA and New York City agencies.

The development of a workforce with transferable job skills that enable them to compete as business development professionals trained in the proper preparation and submission of documentation in various aspects of local government contracting.

mosaic school
brooklyn transition center

Initiative

Participants are selected to participate in an 18 week paid training program led by public construction and procurement professionals currently working with the SCA and other New York City public agencies

Successful participants are assigned to work as paid interns with SCA Mentor and Mentor Graduate firms and various departments within the SCA for up to 36 weeks. Interns may work for 20 hours per week, with the potential for full-time hours during our peak season.
 

Training Method

Training modules focus on business development, procurement, construction contracting, and back office support, specifically related to public construction project management.

Participants learn about the requirements for conducting business with the SCA and New York City agencies.  These areas include the procurement process, labor law compliance, and the submissions required during each phase of public construction, from notice to proceed to project close out.

CIP363842714454378590519 (1)
Daydreams of paper animals, ceramic tiles and smalti glass, 2017

Program Requirements

OA participants must have:  

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Authorization to work in the United States
  • Proficiency in English and strong communication skills
  • One year minimum of work experience (preferably in an office or customer service setting)
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
  • Participants must be available to attend training sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00-5:00p.m.
  • Participants must be available for internship placement for a minimum of 20 hours per week. Full time hours may be available during the summer.