On May 18, the BCS Emerging Leaders Program graduated its’ second class holding an informal ceremony in the BCS training room. Graduates must attend each monthly training and complete a final exam and final interview in order to complete the program and receive their graduation bonus and completion certificate (See photo of graduates, Cesar Martinez and Homero Diaz scored highest for this year’s program (photos).
Emerging Leader program participants are selected by BCS General Superintendents and Leadership Team to complete a yearlong program that includes, General Contractor and Vendor trade partner guest speakers (for example, Martin Marietta, RM Rebar, Western Pumping, Austin Commercial, and White Construction were some of our trade partners who participated), learning about the BCS Safety Culture, communication role plays simulating challenges in the field and completion of the OSHA 30 hours among other activities.
Emerging Leaders can come from any area of the BCS family including Asst. Superintendents, carpenters, finishers, safety professionals and surveyors. This year’s class reflects these various jobs. One Concrete Finisher, One Surveyor, two Safety Professionals, three Assistant Superintendents and two Foreman.
This program has three primary objectives: 1) Prepare future leaders for BCS, 2) Provide employees with a pathway to advancement within BCS and 3) Present participants knowledge that BCS leaders need to be successful in their current and future positions. During the year, Emerging Leaders are given more opportunities and responsibilities in their jobs so they can develop their leadership skills.
According to Program Director Todd C. Smith, Vice President of Safety and HR, “The Emerging Leaders Program is a Best-in-Class leadership development course which uses the talents of our internal team and trade partners to prepare BCS for our future growth and build our Think Family! Think Safety! culture with our future leaders.
The Year 3, Emerging Leaders Program for 2023-24, begins on June 15 and candidates must sign a commitment agreement to attend each monthly training and pass their final exam and interview in order to graduate. 12 Students are typically selected to participate.