Kokosing is one of the largest family-owned contractors in the country, and it is proud to call Ohio home. Kokosing performs work in heavy industrial and heavy highway in addition to other aspects of construction, a market-leader in self-performing projects of any size or scope. Their signature orange equipment can be seen on projects throughout the midwest.
As a company, Kokosing works hard to promote exceptional work product and high-quality teams. At the core of its focus are the company’s people—the men and women they hire that form the heart of the company. On their website, Kokosing notes that the company “has been built on the foundation that our people are our most valuable resource.”
The recruitment and hiring strategy of Kokosing for many years has been focused on developing the workforce from multiple entry points and providing a work environment that is inspiring and rewarding for all team members, including craft professionals, apprentices, co-op partnerships, interns and experienced professionals.
The company’s overall commitment to finding and building a strong workforce is not focused solely on the hiring needs and available positions at Kokosing alone. Kokosing has been a dedicated champion and leader within the I Build America – Ohio movement. Together with other leading companies across Ohio, Kokosing is helping to spread the word and do their part to attract, recruit, and retain quality team members for the entire industry.
“We know that the need is there,” said Mark Osborn, Corporate Field Workforce Manager. “We are looking at prospects for our company, of course, but we know that workforce development is essential for the overall health of our industry at large.”
Kokosing’s education and workforce development efforts are nearly as vast and wide as their service offerings. The company has offices in regions across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, and each region actively works to close the gap between the need and demand of craft professionals.
“We are finding ways to celebrate each type of person who is interested in a career in construction,” Osborn said. “Different types of engagement work for different types of people. There isn’t a one size fits all solution.”
To meet people where they are, Kokosing team members actively support the company’s workforce development efforts. From local churches and community centers, to correctional institutions, career tech and traditional high schools, Kokosing is spreading education and awareness about the potential of a career in construction.
“We highly encourage folks who are interested in learning more about a career in construction to come to our company for a job shadow experience or a project visit,” Osborn said. “We welcome students, adults, parents, guidance counselors—anyone and everyone who can help us on our mission to grow the skilled workforce.”
Kokosing operates with a concerted effort on engaging diverse groups of people. The company participates in programs and informational sessions specifically for Veterans to understand their options in construction. They support Boy Scout events, as well as host a Girls-Only Summer Camp in partnership with the National Association of Women in Construction. They also encourage young people with an interest in construction to take advantage of “Bring Your Parents to Work Day,”—a creative twist on the more traditional ‘Bring Your Children to Work Day.’
In addition to their external efforts, Kokosing also spends time mentoring and supporting their internal team, working with young individuals to help guide them in their construction careers. Many Kokosing team members feel it is their responsibility to help prepare those that are the next generation of the company.
“It’s important that everyone understands the paths that are open to them,” Osborn said. “We’re striving to do our part in the process of growing our workforce for the industry.”
To learn more about Kokosing, visit their website at www.kokosing.biz.
