ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Over the next four years, nearly two-thirds of current trade employees will retire — people who build critical infrastructure, hospitals, schools and entertainment venues.

What You Need To Know

  • A Buffalo tradeswoman is hoping to fill 300 construction positions by next year 

  • aQuiRe Construction Academy is taking applicants

  • It’s a free two-month-long program. No construction background is needed

Carley Hill wants to get 300 people trained and into the workforce by next year. A million dollars in grants is allowing her to help folks with transportation, childcare and more while getting their certifications.

The community has been closely watching it rise. The new stadium for the Buffalo Bills is well on its way to becoming a reality by 2026.

“We're kind of the grease between all the different operations that are happening in the foundation work right now to help facilitate all the different crew,” said Hill, president and CEO of CAHill TECH. “I grew up building roads and bridges, and this is a whole different ballgame."

“And then they do hands-on training with subject matter experts once a week,” Hill said. "So, they get their forklift certifications, they get their aerial lift certifications, they get all the essential core pieces they need to be hitting the ground ready.”

For that one day of hands-on training, childcare and even transportation is provided.

“Historically, there's been barriers for women to get into the industry, like childcare. And then you look at the refugee or the immigrant population and transportation,” Hill continued.

In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, women make up only 11% of the construction industry.

Kaylee Hutchinson graduated in June, went through the program, and was on the job site by July with her best friend Laci Ortolano.

“Oh yeah, it was definitely an eye-opener,” Hutchinson said.

The pair wears pink too.

“We run excavators, dozers, she runs crane,” Hutchinson referred to Ortolano.

“Women could do it and do so, if not better,” Ortolano said.

“If not better,” Hutchinson chimed in.”

“And they look better,” Ortolano laughed.

“I'll be able to tell my kids one day, ‘Yeah, my best friend and I worked on the stadium when we helped build this thing.’ Like, that's incredible,” Hutchinson said.

As part of the academy, there’s a mentor network connection, resumé builders and connections with organized labor for apprenticeship programs.