The Land Improvement Contractors of America (LICA) Educational Foundation for Veterans is currently under development, its’ mission is to train military veterans for work inthe heavy construction industry. The Foundation’s Board of Directors includes experienced industryprofessionals from across the U.S. The organization will be headquartered in the same facility as the LICA national office in Lisle, Illinois.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a higher-than-average job growth of 10% for constructionequipment operators through 2028. The Foundation seeks to help address this growing need for skilled labor within the construction industry while providing opportunities for military veterans seeking work.
Founder Jerry Biuso, Sr. says, “The goal is to establish a nationwide training program that will become a partof construction culture.” Biuso is also the CEO of the National LICA organization, adding, “My members cometo me all the time and tell me they can’t get adequate help. It occurred to me that this was a good way to helpvets get decent jobs and make a living. I have always wanted the opportunity to give back to our military heroes.” The Foundation will work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to identify candidates for the program.
The curriculum will involve in-class training sessions at regional campus locations, yet to be determined. Participants will initially work on simulators to learn the basics of heavy equipment operation before moving to field training, which will be provided by LICA contractors, equipment dealers and subcontractors. The coursework will also include training on policies and procedures for working on a job site; an introduction to global positioning systems (GPS) used in grading operations; safety, first aid and OSHA procedures; and interviewing skills.
Biuso seeks to raise funding for the project through federal grants and corporate sponsorships. A golf fundraiser is also scheduled for June 2022 in the Chicago area, details to be announced. Volunteers are needed to help plan and manage events. Offers of financial support and equipment donationsfor the training program are also welcomed.
Contact Allison Hack, Director of Communication, Email ANational.lica@gmail.com (630) 548-1984 for more information.
The LICA Educational Foundation for Veterans’ first training classes are planned for the Chicago area in early 2022.