Adaptive Construction Solutions Inc., located in Houston, Texas, recruits, trains and integrates veterans into the ironworking industry.
Adaptive Construction Solutions, which opened its doors in April, completed its first three training classes, providing more than 70 veterans with introductory ironworking training and careers with notable Houston steel erection companies like Empire Steel, Steelco and Postel International.
We have fostered quick success, growth and expansion by creating a culture of camaraderie and “can-do” attitude that attracts veterans and employers alike. In a few short months, Adaptive Construction Solutions and its partners have already expanded their ironworking projects from Southeast Texas to Central Texas. Veterans from all over the country are responding to ACS’ aggressive social media marketing campaign, attracted by the strong opportunities in Texas construction.
Our initial training consists of an intensive 96-hour program with classroom and hands-on training over a 12-day period. This includes use of a training tower, which provides a real-world environment for lifting and placing steel, learning fall protection techniques, bolting, welding, and other tasks.
Upon completion of the initial training period, veterans immediately enter the workforce with enough skills to be a productive member of their ironworking crew. In addition, significant opportunities for promotion and lateral moves are available to veterans who qualify. For example, a degreed petroleum engineer is now an Estimator for Steelco and another high potential trainee was fast tracked to Company Specialty Welder for Empire Steel, both as soon as they completed the initial ironworking training program.
Adaptive Construction Solutions was founded by Nick Morgan, a commercial insurance agent, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant and Veteran of the Iraq War. “We are veterans, taking care of veterans by retraining military personnel and supplying much needed qualified workers into the construction industry,” said Morgan.
We are changing these Veterans’ lives: some are coming from homeless shelters, others have families to support and many just need a hand up, rather than a hand out. We are giving them hope, a future and, for many, a second chance in life.
Morgan took the unique approach to target Veterans because he believes one of the most important factors in re-integrating military personnel to civilian life is a steady paycheck. “Transitioning Veterans thrive in team-oriented environments built on trust and empathy,” said Morgan, “and that’s especially useful in the Ironworking industry because of the emphasis on safety, communication and downright, fearlessness.”
