A library is a place where people go to expand their knowledge, making it the perfect setting for students to build a deeper understanding of the construction industry. On October 22, O&G launched its newest O&G Builds program at the Manchester Public Library, welcoming nine students from Manchester High School’s construction career track for an immersive, hands-on experience.
Learning the Building Blocks of a Career in Construction
The session began inside the project trailer, where students met the O&G team leading the library’s construction: Nelson Reis, Senior Project Manager; Nick Sanguinetti, Project Manager; Elvis Zea, Project Engineer; and Jim Perault, Superintendent. Each shared their career journey and the day-to-day responsibilities that keep a major public project moving forward.
Before heading out to the site, the team introduced the students to Lean Construction Management, highlighting the LEAN boards that guide daily planning and collaboration. They demonstrated how “pull plans” help teams stay adaptable, finding workarounds when unexpected challenges arise so projects stay on schedule.
The students also discussed their own career aspirations, with many expressing interest in the trades, while others were drawn toward engineering and equipment operation. Nelson shared advice on essential skills for success in construction: communication, collaboration, problem-solving, time management, adaptability, and fiscal responsibility. He encouraged students to view part-time jobs and team sports as opportunities to develop reliability and teamwork – qualities that translate directly to the jobsite.
From Classroom to Construction Site
After reviewing safety protocols, the group moved outdoors for a guided tour of the active project. Nelson and Nick connected the dots between what the students had seen in the trailer and the real-world applications on-site. They pointed out in-wall installations, panel pull boxes, and duct work protection measures, explaining the importance of each in maintaining quality and safety.
The team also demonstrated how the sprinkler and fire protection systems operate (dispelling a few Hollywood myths along the way) and showed how these systems integrate with building egress routes to ensure safety.
Students learned how the Manchester Public Library project is designed with sustainability in mind. The facility features geothermal wells and rooftop photovoltaic panels that will power a microgrid system, storing excess energy for later use or returning it to the grid through Eversource.
Building Pathways, One Experience at a Time
For most of the students, this was their first visit to a live construction site, and the experience brought classroom lessons to life. Programs like O&G Builds give young people a front-row seat to the possibilities within the construction industry, helping them explore career paths and develop confidence in their skills.
Through mentorship, teamwork, and real-world exposure, O&G Builds continues to bridge the gap between education and industry, inspiring the next generation of builders – one project, and one library, at a time.
