The construction industry continues to face workforce challenges, yet many efforts remain focused on short-term hiring rather than long-term talent development. This webinar challenges that approach by reframing workforce development as a shared responsibility across the profession—not just a function of individual companies.
Through real-world insights from both education and industry, we will introduce a practical, repeatable framework for how construction professionals can meaningfully engage with students and academic programs to build work-ready talent. Rather than presenting a single project success story, this webinar focuses on scalable strategies applicable across organizations, roles, and market sectors.
Panelists will explore where disconnects occur between education and project execution, how those gaps impact project outcomes, and what individuals can do—regardless of title or company size—to strengthen the pipeline, and will emphasize honest discussion of challenges, including time constraints, misaligned expectations, and inconsistent engagement. Attendees will leave with a clear, actionable model for engagement and a personalized plan they can implement immediately to help develop the next generation of construction managers.
About the Speakers:
Carolyn McGary - Assistant Professor; Director of Construction Project Management at Metropolitan State University of Denver
Carolyn is an assistant professor and director of Construction Project Management in the Department of Engineering and Engineering Technology at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Her areas of expertise include construction, facility management, sustainability, workforce development, and connecting education with industry to prepare the next generation of professionals in the built environment.
Jeff Meyer, PE - West Region CM/CEI Practice Lead at egis
Jeff is a construction management and infrastructure leader with 18 years of experience delivering complex transportation and heavy civil programs. He provides strategic leadership and oversight for multidisciplinary teams, helping clients manage risk, navigate complex delivery challenges, and achieve successful project outcomes. His experience spans construction management and inspection, owner’s representation, program and project management, contract administration, project controls, constructability, and change management. Jeff combines practical construction expertise with a collaborative, client-focused approach to strengthen accountability, resolve complex issues, and drive consistent execution across projects and programs.
Erving Sanchez - Metropolitan State University of Denver
Continuing Education:
CMCI Recertification Points: 1
Professional Development Hours (PDH): 1