As the economy rebounds, the demand for qualified professionals in the concrete industry will grow. CIM graduates will be in high demand—and companies that have supported the CIM Patrons Program will have a competitive advantage in attracting them. Programs will have a leg up.
Doug Guerrero
CIM Patrons Chair, California State University, Chico
What is your involvement in the CIM program? Why did you get involved with the program?
I have been the Chairman of the Chico State CIM Patrons since it was established in 2005. I am also a Board Member of the CIM National Steering Committee. I have had a keen interest in this program for more than 20 years and have followed the growth of the Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) program since its inception. I and several other industry colleagues were responsible for bringing the expansion program to California and Chico State. As a veteran of the cement and concrete industry, I know how valuable this program is to the industry.
What are your thoughts about the industry/academic partnership between CIM and its industry partners and patrons?
When the CIM National Steering Committee approached Chico State and the other two universities selected for expansion CIM Programs, they promised $1 million over five years to help offset costs. In addition, our local Patrons promised additional donations of concrete materials and equipment, as well as significant volunteer time to act as guest lecturers and consultants. Everybody on our Patrons’ Board continues to come through on this promise. The Chico State president stated that our partnership model should be the one used as the “standard industry/academic partnership” throughout academia. This is our key to success and a must for any successful program.
Why should other companies in the concrete industry get involved in the CIM program?
Companies must act now. If they don’t, they risk falling behind the high standards of training and professionalism that graduates of the CIM Program bring to the workforce. These graduates are poised to rise into leadership roles within their organizations.
Our industry is facing a generational gap—we’ve aged without adequately preparing the next wave of professionals. We urgently need well-trained graduates with expertise across the many facets of our field. At the same time, the industry is advancing rapidly in technology, and our students are prepared for that future. Their education includes exposure to a wide range of emerging technologies, and they bring both knowledge and enthusiasm to improve the industry.