UNCOMMON CONSTRUCTION ANNOUNCES 2025 GREATER NEW ORLEANS INDUSTRY CIRCLE COHORT
/Contact: Taylor Pettit
504-233-0139
taylorp@uncommonconstruction.org
UNCOMMON CONSTRUCTION ANNOUNCES 2025 GREATER NEW ORLEANS INDUSTRY CIRCLE COHORT
In its second year, local nonprofit celebrates deepening collaboration with construction industry leaders committed to building the next generation of skilled professionals
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana, May 13, 2025 — unCommon Construction, a local nonprofit that uses the construction build process to empower youth with the skills, networks, resources, and experiences to lead the workforce after high school or college, has announced its 2025 Greater New Orleans Industry Circle (GNOIC) cohort. Now in its second year, the GNOIC includes 15 leading construction companies who have joined the network to invest in the next generation of builders, while supporting equity and sustainability in the regional workforce.
“We’re proud to be growing this community of partners who are committed to building not just houses — but opportunities, relationships, and the future of our region,” said unCommon Construction Chief Executive Officer Aaron Frumin. “The GNO Industry Circle is helping us scale our impact by aligning with companies who are ready to invest in leadership development and expand access to careers in construction for our apprentices and alumni.”
Each year, unCommon Construction partners with public schools, homeschools, and youth-serving organizations to provide technical and soft-skills training for youth ages 16–20 through a paid apprenticeship model. Apprentices earn an hourly wage, school credit, industry exposure, and scholarships while building a house or other project over the course of a school year. Since 2015, the program has created over 500 apprenticeships that have earned more than $550,000 in net pay and equity awards.
GNOIC members engage unCommon youth year-round through events like hiring fairs, build days, field trips, and mentorship opportunities. In addition to their financial support, members provide direct access to professional networks and career pathways for young people.
“The construction industry has long recognized the challenges of a severe labor shortage,” said Tom Barnhill, Project Executive at AECOM Hunt. “Organizations like unCommon Construction and their collaboration with the Industry Circle are playing a vital role in closing this gap by preparing the next generation of construction leaders.”
“As an inaugural member of the Industry Circle, AOS is proud to support unCommon Construction’s transformative work,” said Caroline Morgan, VP of Marketing and Strategy at AOS Interior Environments. “We’ve seen the impact firsthand, welcoming unCommon alumni to our team and watching these young professionals bring fresh perspective, purpose, and talent to the field.”
Members echo that the partnership is more than philanthropy — it’s strategic, future-facing workforce development.
“Mayer Building Company participates in unCommon Construction’s Industry Circle because we believe in building more than projects — we’re building a stronger industry and community,” said Ryan Mayer, Owner of Mayer Building Company. “Supporting young people who are learning the value of hard work, fairness, and collaboration reflects the same principles that guide our company every day.”
“At Gallo, we pride ourselves on our core values — Family, Service, and Performance,” said Travis Carter, Safety Manager at Gallo Mechanical. “The future of the industry is up to us. That means making sure new employees have every tool available to be successful, just like we’ve done for the last 80 years.”
The 2025 GNOIC includes the following member levels:
The GNOIC is co-chaired by Andre Kelly of the Louisiana Associated General Contractors and Jeb Bruneau of the Associated Builders and Contractors – New Orleans/Bayou Chapter.
GNOIC membership opens each January and closes March 31. For more information on unCommon Construction and the Greater New Orleans Industry Circle, visit www.uncommonconstruction.org or contact info@uncommonconstruction.org.
About unCommon Construction
unCommon Construction (uCC) is a nonprofit that uses the build process to empower youth to lead the workforce after high school or college. Through the apprenticeship program, students earn hourly pay and high school credits by working alongside a diverse team of students, educators, and industry professionals to build a house or other construction project. Along the way, apprentices gain valuable professional and leadership skills, and access to industry networks. Since its founding in 2015, uCC has partnered with over 20 public schools in two cities (New Orleans and Minneapolis), and hired more than 500 of their students who have collectively earned over $550,000 in net pay and Equity Awards. To learn more, visit www.uncommonconstruction.org or follow @uncommonconstruction on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.