Building Group Intern – Norton Elementary School, Cheshire
Central Connecticut State University, Construction Management, Class of 2026
Meet Rocko Cuccaro, a Construction Management major at Central Connecticut State University who’s gaining hands-on industry experience at the Norton Elementary School project in Cheshire. With a strong background in residential construction and roofing, Rocko came into this internship eager to explore the commercial side of the industry—and it hasn’t disappointed.
“So far, my experience at O&G has been great,” he says. Rocko’s role on site is multifaceted. He’s worked on everything from managing submittals and reviewing RFIs to distributing drawings to contractors, updating open space videos daily, taking meeting minutes, and supporting site safety. “I really enjoy being involved in the day-to-day operations. There’s so much going on here, and it’s amazing to see how it’s all orchestrated.”
Rocko has found that being immersed in the job site environment is vastly different from classroom learning. “School gives you a general idea of the process, but being on site shows you how to practically apply that knowledge,” he explains. “Things like trade coordination, interacting with owners and design teams, and even navigating community concerns—those are the kinds of real-world challenges I never considered until now.”
The fast-paced and ever-changing nature of construction has deepened Rocko’s interest in the field. “This internship has motivated me to continue my career in construction management,” he says. “It’s reassured me that this is what I want to do in life.”
While Rocko brings prior experience in residential work, this internship has opened his eyes to the possibilities in commercial construction—particularly in the field. “I’ve been especially drawn to superintendency,” he says. “I’ve been spending a lot of time walking the site with Superintendent Brian Pracuta, who sets a high standard for what it means to be a superintendent. He’s been a great mentor and teacher.”
Rocko also credits his learning experience to Earl Stevens, Project Engineer, who’s been showing him how to use Aconex and helping him grow as a future project engineer, and Colt McGovern, Project Manager, who offers strong guidance on leadership and navigating the construction industry. “Each of them brings something unique to the table, and I’ve learned so much from all three.”
Rocko’s journey to O&G started with something simple: name recognition. After moving back to Meriden, CT, he often saw O&G trucks on I-691. That name stuck with him, and when he later saw the O&G booth at a CCSU career fair, he made a point to stop and learn more. “Once I had the chance to talk with the team and ask questions, I knew it would be a great place to learn.”
To future interns at O&G, Rocko offers this advice: “Explore every part of the process. Work with the superintendent one day, the project manager or engineer another, maybe even the safety team. There’s so much to learn, and it’ll help you figure out what suits you best. School lays the foundation, but an internship like this gives you the real-world knowledge you need to succeed.”
Outside of work, Rocko keeps things just as intense. He trains in MMA and competes in jujitsu—and is hoping to get a fight on the calendar in the coming months.
With his drive, curiosity, and commitment to continuous learning, Rocko is well on his way to building a future as strong as the structures he helps bring to life.
