Baker University

To relentlessly push our company’s performance and enhance quality of workmanship, Baker provides in-depth programs of ongoing professional training and education to further our coworkers’ capabilities and opportunities. In 1998, we formally established the Baker University Training Program to ensure the continued development of our skilled workforce and management team.

Baker’s commitment to training and education has been a guiding force that has created our current culture, and it will be the key to our future success. It is essential to always seek out and master emerging technologies that will improve our coworkers, our company, and our industry.

Our Training Programs

• Safety Training
• Craft Training
• Technical Training
• Leadership and Management Training
• Computer Training

Involvement

Training is a continuous process. Baker University is simply the tool and vehicle to support and assist in delivering the training and development services that will improve our coworkers, our company, and our industry. Baker utilizes the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) and Apprenticeship programs for craft training. We participate in programs offered by the American Concrete Institute, the Association of General Contractors, and the Construction Industry Institute, as well as training and safety training programs offered through Baker University. Baker also participates in programs associated for carpenters, laborers, and cement finishers in various locations throughout the country.

Training Programs

Safety Training
Safety Training is mandatory for all Baker coworkers. The nature of our industry exposes our people to the hazards associated with construction and heavy equipment operation. Our coworkers must be completely trained in the safe operation of equipment, hazard awareness, and implementing safety regulations and policies. In addition to new hire Safety Training and Orientation, field personnel participate in weekly safety training programs.

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Craft Training
Baker’s core business of heavy concrete construction requires coworkers with specific craft skills ranging from concrete finishing and carpentry to ironworking skills. To ensure our personnel achieve the highest skill levels within these craft disciplines, our Craft Training program includes competency based classroom and shop instruction from entry level to refresher instruction for our advanced coworkers. Training curricula is developed internally and in association with national organizations such as the National Center for Construction Education Research (NCCER), the American Concrete Institute (ACI), and the Portland Cement Association (PCA).

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Technical Training
Technical Training at Baker is designed to elevate individual field skill sets among key coworkers beyond our core competencies within heavy concrete construction. Technical Training courses include topics such as:

• Reading and using blueprints and specifications
• The principles, equipment, and methods used to perform site layout tasks of distance measurement, differential leveling, layout responsibilities of surveyors, field engineers and carpenters, use of plot plans, and on-site communication
• The study of the properties, characteristics, and uses of various types of concrete, aggregates, and other materials, that when mixed together form different types of concrete
• Procedures for concrete volume estimating and testing

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Leadership and Management Training
Baker people are our most important resource. Baker’s Leadership and Management Training was created to cultivate management and leadership skills among our coworkers. Our goal is to empower Baker coworkers by providing training opportunities that they may grow into increased management responsibilities. Leadership and Management courses are regularly offered on a variety of topics, including:

• PM Manager’s Academy, a “Boot Camp” for new Project Managers
• Pricing and Bidding Strategies, a program that increases our ability to obtain profitable contracts while decreasing the chance of “low bid” on unprofitable or disastrous jobs
• Master Trainers, a program that certifies instructors, or a “Train-the-Trainer” program for Craft and Technical Training Programs
• FMI Leadership Institute, a program that fosters professional growth. The program culminates with the development of an accountability-based personal action plan.
• English as a Second Language, an intense program that provides individual classroom time to those coworkers for whom English may be a second language.

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Computer Training
Baker Computer Training program instructs coworkers in computer skills, software competency, and the use of electronic management systems. Computer skills training includes courses on such topics as Windows, Microsoft, Adobe, and AutoCAD programs.

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