Partnership could bring jobs

A company in Madison Heights is hoping to add as many as 30 to 40 jobs in the next five years in a job-training program and partnership with Central Virginia Community College and Region 2000.

Commercial Metals Co.’s Rebar Virginia operation opened a technical center in the Amelon Commerce Center in January 2008 and has trained 13 locally selected employees –– all of whom are highly skilled in using computers and working with ironworkers and concrete contractors on CMC work sites.

“This is one of the first of its kind in the industry,” said Robbie Hall, manager of the technical center. This is a culmination of teamwork.”

Through Region 2000’s career center, applicants take an aptitude test, and the company has established an associate’s degree program with CVCC.

“The goal with CVCC is to actually build a training pipeline,” Hall said.

The company’s local detailer training program pays pre-screened applicants while they learn rebar detailing, project coordination, construction methods and engineering principles, said Robbie Hall, the technical center’s manager.

Rebar detailers work with structural engineers and concrete contractors and are key in construction processes in which reinforced concrete structures are built.

Rebar detailers use art computers and software to produce placing drawings, which are prepared by interpreting the contract drawing requirements and then determining the quantity, length and bending characteristics, as well as the location of the rebar within the concrete.

Ironworkers use the placing drawings to properly install the rebar within the forms before concrete is poured.

The detailers work with contractors on CMC Rebar projects such as roads and bridges, water treatment and wastewater treatment plants.

Ironically, the company is in a good position to add jobs because of the economy, Hall said.

“When the economy slows, infrastructure improvements begin” as the government tries to infuse money to stimulate the economy, Hall said. “They’re always pouring concrete.”

Applicants who are accepted will receive pay, full benefits and paid vacations and holidays, including tuition reimbursement.

Pay during the detailer training program ranges from $12 to $16 per hour, depending on experience. A detailer with four to five years experience will earn $45,000 and up.

CMC also is beginning a co-op program this month for high school seniors, which also will be paid positions. Two have qualified so far. Students will earn CVCC credits toward an associate’s degree and will receive job offers when they graduate, Hall said.

CMC Rebar Virginia also has branches in Farmville, Fredericksburg and Norfolk and a sales office in Salem. Based in Texas, CMC is a Fortune 500 company.