NEW YORK (April 4, 2011) - The New York City School Construction Authority (SCA) today launched their Advanced Mentor Training Program, a new training initiative for Minority, Women-Owned and Locally-Based Enterprises (M/W/LBEs) who are currently participating in the SCA's Mentor program. NobleStrategy, a construction management and training firm, in partnership with City College of New York (CCNY) was awarded the contract via an RFP process. The year-long program is the first of its kind for the SCA and the CCNY, which will provide courses for up to 80 contractors at its Harlem campus.
NobleStrategy will manage the educational initiative, which provides contractors who have advanced through the SCA's four-year mentor program, with training designed to ensure their success once they leave the supportive structure of the SCA program. Partners in the Advanced Mentor Training Program include URS Corporation, DACK Consulting and Inspire Enterprise, as well as NobleStrategy's University Partner, the City College of New York.
The SCA's goal with the Advanced Mentor Training Program is to increase the ability of contractors to continue to thrive in a business environment once they graduate out of the Mentor Program. The program consists of six training modules, including Project Management, Financial Management, Safety Management, Legal Affairs, Organizational Management and Leadership Skills. Spring classes start Tuesday April 5, 2011 at the 138th Street and Convent Avenue campus.
Contractors who participate in the SCA's four-year mentor program will achieve:
* Experience working on SCA projects;
* Technical assistance and training;
* General business, organizational and personnel skills development;
* Marketing and business development;
* Fast track payment systems; and
* Access to working capital and bonding
A key component of the program is that it targets smaller construction contracts - typically ranging from $80,000 to $750,000 - for M/W/LBE participation. The SCA hires construction managers not only to ensure that all projects are completed safely, on time and within budget, but also to mentor and provide technical assistance to participating firms.