Colas USA to roll out hiring program at Sully-Miller

Colas USA partnered with a national nonprofit that provides transitional services to young people growing up in foster care to ensure they become successful, independent adults.

Sully-Miller Contracting Co., the Colas USA subsidiary that operates throughout Southern California, will pilot a program with iFoster. In July, 10 formerly fostered young adults will participate in a weeklong event to earn a safety certification through the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, as well as a certificate on CPR and first aid.

According to Colas USA, those interested in a construction career will then have the opportunity to be hired as full-time laborers or paving apprentices, receiving mentorship support from a company leader.

“It is truly our honor to have the opportunity to partner with an organization such as iFoster,” says Victoria Taffet, director of corporate social responsibility at Colas USA. “The outcomes for youth that have ‘aged out’ of the foster care system are grim. With statistics such as 50 percent of the foster alum population being homeless within two to four years and 47 percent unemployment, we knew we had to do something to help the upcoming generations.”

Colas USA says the partnership with iFoster offers the potential to expand its labor pool with exciting young adults to all of its companies while supporting a group that may otherwise be overlooked.

Although the pilot will take place at Sully-Miller, Colas USA intends to roll out the program to other companies within its family.

“At Colas USA, we stand by the fact that our best assets are our people,” says John Harrington, president and CEO at Colas USA, which is comprised of seven regional subsidiaries operating in 22 states. “What better way to utilize that asset in a way that can help train these young people who are aging out of the foster care system? Through mentorship, our teams have the ability to help this population of youth to gain the skills they need to stand on their own and be successful, while also helping them gain confidence and a sense of belonging.”