Students gain hands-on experience while exploring careers in construction
This summer, O&G participated for the first time in Stamford’s Mayor’s Youth Employment Program, welcoming two local students to its Stamford operations for an introduction to the construction industry and the many career paths that support it.
The program connects Stamford high school juniors and seniors with paid employment opportunities in the private, public and nonprofit sectors. In addition to real-world work experience, participants receive training in professionalism, communication, teamwork, financial literacy, résumé development and other skills that prepare them to enter the workforce.
For O&G, joining the program was an opportunity to introduce young people to careers they might not otherwise encounter while giving them meaningful responsibilities, experienced mentors and a better understanding of how a construction company operates.
Learning the Trade at Stamford Repair
Recent Westhill High School graduate Daniel Rodriquez spent the summer at O&G’s Stamford Repair Shop, working alongside mechanic Steven Escobar to maintain and repair heavy construction equipment.
Daniel gained experience with batteries, brakes, hoses, lights and other mechanical systems. One of his proudest moments came when he successfully located an air leak on a concrete mixer.
“It was my first ‘Wow, I really did it’ moment,” Daniel said.
Working side by side each day, Daniel and Steven also formed a strong personal connection. Daniel said Steven taught him not only about mechanics but also about life, while Steven especially valued the opportunity to get to know and mentor him.
Daniel made a strong impression on the Stamford Repair team. Shop Foreman Kevin Edwards described him as dependable, punctual and hardworking, with a positive attitude and a willingness to try any assignment. Steven shared the same assessment, noting that Daniel was eager to learn and enjoyable to work with.
The experience helped Daniel identify his next step. With encouragement from Kevin and, he is exploring a union apprenticeship as he works toward becoming a mechanic.
Building Skills and Confidence at Stamford Mason
At O&G’s Stamford Mason store, rising senior Jeancarlos Diaz Maeda experienced nearly every part of the operation.
Jeancarlos assisted with receiving, processed tickets, learned counter sales and spent time with the showroom sales team as they helped customers select materials. Although masonry was new to him, he quickly learned the store’s systems, including the coding used behind the counter, and became confident completing tasks independently.
Dan Lourenco, Facility Manager, and Gregg Walter, Assistant Facility Manager, described Jeancarlos as punctual, communicative and eager to learn. He consistently arrived early, took initiative and picked up new tasks with ease.
The experience also helped Jeancarlos develop skills he can carry into his planned career in HVAC and sheet metal work. In particular, assisting customers and observing the relationships employees have built with regular clients strengthened his confidence in customer service.
“I feel like now I’m more confident talking with customers,” he said.
Jeancarlos also valued the welcoming culture at Stamford Mason and credited the entire team with guiding him throughout the summer. By including him in different areas of the business and encouraging him to ask questions, the team gave him a broader understanding of construction, sales, inventory and teamwork.
Investing in the Next Generation
Daniel and Jeancarlos arrived at O&G with different interests and career goals, but both approached the experience with curiosity, initiative and a strong desire to learn. In return, employees at Stamford Repair and Stamford Mason shared their expertise, offered career guidance and gave both students the confidence to take on new responsibilities.
O&G’s participation in the Mayor’s Youth Employment Program reflects the company’s continued commitment to workforce development. By creating opportunities for students to experience the industry firsthand, O&G is helping young people connect their interests to viable career paths, and helping build the skilled workforce construction will need in the years ahead.
Thank you to Kevin, Steve, Dan, Gregg, and the entire Stamford Repair and Stamford Mason teams for welcoming Daniel and Jeancarlos and investing their time in guiding the next generation.
