Brian always knew he wanted to work in the construction industry. Initially, he considered becoming an architect, but after applying for apprenticeships, he found one that aligned more closely with his interests.

“I always wanted to be in that construction industry,” he said, “I didn’t find any internship or apprenticeship that made sense and then I came across Sky Blue Builders and it was the only one that would give me hands-on experience. And that is something I knew I needed to help jumpstart my career.”

Brian began his apprenticeship at Sky Blue Builders soon after applying for the position in October 2023 when he was finishing high school. Over the past year, he has started classes at  Community College of Denver where he plans to major in Civil Engineering. While he is taking classes, his apprenticeship is also helping him gain hands-on experience and developing essential skills in project management and time management.

Julia Mata, a Human Resources Manager at Sky Blue Builders, has seen how Brian’s hands-on experience has already helped the team he is working with.

“I’ve been told countless times how he brings a fresh perspective and diverse outlook that enrich our the team’s culture,” she said. “It’s rewarding to watch him grow from a high school student to valued team member who our project managers actively request for key projects. He’s truly become an asset to Sky Blue Builders.”

While Brian does get day-to-day hands-on experience to better his skills, what really stands out to him is the access to his managers and senior team members. He notes that they really want to see him succeed and will always take a moment to help boost his knowledge about a project. 

“I always ask someone whenever I have a question or even if it’s a ‘dumb’ question,” he said, acknowledging he is still learning some of the basics. “They’re very supportive in that way. They make it clear that I can go to them and ask them, not just my supervisor, but anyone in the team.”

The foundational skills are not all that Brian. As a young college student, he is also ahead of the curve in the industry by starting and completing certificates others his age might not know about. He has already finished his OSHA 30 certification, equipping him with the knowledge and skills to identify and prevent workplace hazards, making him a valuable asset on any construction site.

Between his hands-on experience, access to a wide variety of team members, and the encouragement to complete certifications at a young age,  Brian’s apprenticeship has already begun paying dividends. He’s gaining practical skills that set him apart from his peers, building a strong professional network, and laying the foundation for a successful career in civil engineering. For Brian, this apprenticeship isn’t just a stepping stone, it’s a launching pad of a future he’s actively shaping, one project at a time.