Beyond Construction: Building Communities and Careers at Abbott Northwestern Hospital
Creating Access and Meaningful Opportunities Through Workforce Development
At Mortenson, we believe in building more than just structures - together we build communities and futures. The Community Workforce Program (CWP), an initiative launched as part of the Abbott Northwestern Hospital project, reflects this commitment. Born out of a vision shared by Allina Health and Mortenson, the CWP was designed to benefit the very community it serves, creating a lasting impact both on and off the construction site.
This forward-thinking initiative connects local organizations that support underemployed and unemployed individuals in the community. “These organizations provide critical training and help participants overcome barriers they may face,” explains Georgia Coleman, Mortenson’s CWP Coordinator at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. “From there, we connect them with over 30 trade partners working on the project. But it’s not just about placing individuals—it’s about fostering career growth through training, apprenticeships, and new opportunities across other project sites.”
“Allina’s vision was to provide not only exceptional care, but also meaningful employment for the surrounding community,” states Coleman. ”By partnering with Mortenson, they established the Community Workforce Program to offer entry-level construction jobs, opening doors for individuals eager to begin their careers.”
Sydney Wittmier, a Mortenson project executive who has been with Mortenson for 17 years, shares her personal connection to the program. "Improving our workforce for women and people of color in the field is something I take very personally. It's about making things more equitable and ensuring everyone knows they have an ally," she explains.
Program Impact
The true measure of success lies in the profound impact the program has on its participants. Coleman notes, "It’s an immediate, transformative change, and it’s deeply fulfilling to help create a pathway to opportunity."
At the heart of the program is empowerment. “We provide the opportunities, but it’s up to candidates to put in the work,” Coleman continues. “When they realize they can succeed, that’s a transformative moment. We’re making lasting, meaningful change.”
One of the program’s participants, passionate about design, is now gaining invaluable field experience to complement his design background. “In construction, many designers may not have firsthand experience on the ground. This candidate will now have a dual perspective, which is invaluable,” Coleman notes.
Long-Term Support
The program’s impact extends beyond job placement, with continued support provided to each participant. “We stay in touch regularly, checking in to make sure they’re satisfied, feel safe, and are growing in a positive work environment,” Coleman explains. “We track progress for up to a year, and personally, I’ll continue supporting them long after that.”
The growing interest and impact of the program is evident, with a significant increase in interested applicants and hires since October. "We had 16 interested parties when I started, and now we have 75, with nine hires in just a few months," Coleman notes.
For more information about the Community Workforce Program, visit Community Empowerment.