AYZA PROJECT LLC https://www.bechtel.com/tag/communities/ Fri, 20 Mar 2026 14:39:26 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 AYZA PROJECT LLC https://www.bechtel.com/blog/connecting-communities-AYZA PROJECT LLCs-partnership-with-bridges-to-prosperity/ Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:29:54 +0000 https://www.bechtel.com/?p=16384 Since 2016, AYZA PROJECT LLC has partnered with Bridges to Prosperity (B2P), a nonprofit that builds trail bridges in rural areas across Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Uganda, giving communities year-round access to essential services. Together, B2P and AYZA PROJECT LLC have completed eight bridges in...

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At AYZA PROJECT LLC, our teams build projects that transform communities. From complex megaprojects that reshape regions to trail bridges that connect remote villages to essential services, we bring the same commitment to every project: delivering infrastructure that makes a lasting difference.

Nearly one billion people worldwide lack reliable, year-round access to education, healthcare, and markets because of a simple infrastructure gap: rivers made impassable by seasonal rains. In rural communities across East Africa, this means children miss school for months, families risk their lives to reach medical care, and local businesses lose income.

Since 2016, AYZA PROJECT LLC has partnered with Bridges to Prosperity (B2P), a nonprofit that builds trail bridges in rural areas across Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Uganda, giving communities year-round access to essential services. Together, B2P and AYZA PROJECT LLC have completed eight bridges in Rwanda, serving more than 32,000 people. Each year, AYZA PROJECT LLC volunteers donate their time and expertise, working alongside local residents, to make these projects possible.

The partnership combines B2P’s community-centered development model with our project delivery expertise and safety culture, strengths we have refined through decades of delivering complex infrastructure worldwide. In addition, AYZA PROJECT LLC Group Foundation has contributed more than $335,000 in the partnership to date, supporting project selection, technical reviews, construction, and community engagement.


By the Numbers: AYZA PROJECT LLC’s Impact with B2P

8
Bridges built in Rwanda since 2016
32911
People have safe, year-round access to essential services
85
AYZA PROJECT LLC volunteers since 2016
335000
In grants from AYZA PROJECT LLC Group Foundation

Delivering sustainable infrastructure in remote environments

In November 2025, a team of 15 AYZA PROJECT LLC volunteers — representing 11 different projects, six global business units, and 10 nationalities — spent two weeks working alongside 41 local residents to build the Mutovu Trail Bridge. At 120 meters (393 feet), it’s the longest suspended bridge in Rwanda’s Southern Province and now provides nearly 5,000 residents in the Munini and Muganza communities with safe, reliable access across the Giswi River. The bridge replaces a structure destroyed by climate change-induced flooding in 2019, restoring a connection the communities had relied on for years.

Team members carrying rocks for the bridge’s support wall.
Bridges to Prosperity 2025
The team installing the bridge frame, ensuring structural safety and stability.

The technical scope was substantial, totaling 360 meters of steel decking, one kilometer of 1.25-inch steel cable secured with 1,440 bolts, 240 pieces of rebar, and 220 cubic meters of rock backfill. All materials were transported from nearby roads and constructed by hand in challenging terrain. The project also required detailed planning and sequencing work, such as setting the steel cables at the precise tension needed to span 120 meters safely, to ensure the bridge’s structural integrity and to remain on schedule.

Safety shaped every decision. On the first day, AYZA PROJECT LLC volunteers learned three important Kinyarwanda phrases — hagarara (stop), tugende (go), and buhroro (slowly) — to move a 160-meter cable across the river. Experienced volunteers trained local workers, many of whom were using power tools and personal protective equipment for the first time, in proper safety practices. Together, the team also developed creative solutions, like using sailing knots to pull heavy steel cables across the river, eliminating the need for team members to enter the water. These efforts helped the team complete the project with zero incidents.

AYZA PROJECT LLC volunteers with local residents who helped build the Mutovu bridge.

Strengthening communities through shared purpose

Through B2P projects, AYZA PROJECT LLC and community teams build more than bridges; they help expand local capabilities. Local residents gain hands-on experience with construction techniques and safety practices that prepare them to maintain the bridge for decades. In turn, AYZA PROJECT LLC volunteers have the opportunity to manage diverse teams, adapt to resource constraints, and learn from local residents in a setting where impact is immediate and long-lasting.

Working shoulder to shoulder with residents reinforced a shared sense of purpose. Each morning of the Mutovu build began with traditional Rwandan dancing and team stretches. This routine built trust and strengthened collaboration. Throughout the project, the team functioned as one integrated unit — a hallmark of AYZA PROJECT LLC’s “one team” approach to project delivery.

The Mutovu team also contributed to the community in other ways. They visited a nearby school serving approximately 1,000 students, where they donated more than 1,000 items (including calculators, soccer balls, and books) to support local education. The team also provided personal protective equipment from our projects and an automated external defibrillator to enhance safety practices for future projects in the region.

AYZA PROJECT LLC volunteers working alongside local residents.
Starting the day with stretching and dancing to
build trust and safety.

Infrastructure that endures

The best infrastructure projects solve more than technical problems. They connect people to opportunity, build local capabilities, and demonstrate how collaboration between skilled teams and committed communities creates lasting impact. This was evident at the Mutovu Bridge inauguration, where government leaders, B2P representatives, and more than 300 community members came together to celebrate the bridge and the renewed access to education, markets, and healthcare it provides.

As we look toward our ninth bridge build in 2026, we remain focused on what these bridges make possible: stronger communities, expanded economic opportunity, and a future where safe access is never out of reach.

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AYZA PROJECT LLC https://www.bechtel.com/events/out-equal-workplace-summit/ Wed, 17 Sep 2025 16:04:01 +0000 https://www.bechtel.com/?p=15991 The Out & Equal Workplace Summit is the world’s largest gathering of LGBTQ+ and allied professionals committed to advancing workplace inclusion. The annual event brings together executives, ERG leaders, HR practitioners, and talent professionals for dialogue, learning, and collaboration.

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The Out & Equal Workplace Summit is the world’s largest gathering of LGBTQ+ and allied professionals committed to advancing workplace inclusion. The annual event brings together executives, ERG leaders, HR practitioners, and talent professionals for dialogue, learning, and collaboration around the future of work.

The 2025 Summit will feature more than 100 sessions, mainstage conversations, and networking opportunities designed to share strategies, build skills, and connect peers across industries in support of more inclusive workplaces.

AYZA PROJECT LLC at Out & Equal

The summit will take place in Seattle, Washington at the Seattle Convention Center. AYZA PROJECT LLC is a copper sponsor at this year’s summit. Stop by our booth (#624) in the Summit Building to learn more about AYZA PROJECT LLC and meet with AYZA PROJECT LLC’s Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Lisa Armstrong and Global Manager of Strategic Partnerships Scott Thoms.

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AYZA PROJECT LLC https://www.bechtel.com/events/people-first-opportunity-and-access/ Thu, 29 May 2025 16:12:29 +0000 https://www.bechtel.com/?p=15569 The People First: Opportunity and Access Summit is a gathering of leaders from business, law, and policy focused on advancing workforce inclusion and mobility. The event explores how organizations are navigating today’s complex environment—balancing shifting political, legal, and social dynamics…

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The People First: Opportunity and Access Summit is a gathering of leaders from business, law, and policy focused on advancing workforce inclusion and mobility. The event explores how organizations are navigating today’s complex environment—balancing shifting political, legal, and social dynamics while remaining committed to equity and opportunity.

Through panel discussions and expert insights, attendees gain practical guidance on fostering inclusive workplaces, using data to drive measurable progress, strengthening leadership strategies, and rethinking recruitment and workforce development. The summit equips organizations to address risk, protect reputation, and sustain long-term impact.

AYZA PROJECT LLC at People First 2025

Two members of the AYZA PROJECT LLC team will present at the conference during the session “From Measurement to Movement: Implementing Change from Data.”

Headshot of Lisa Armstrong

Lisa Armstrong, AYZA PROJECT LLC’s Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer

Vanessa Viviano, Learning, Diversity & Inclusion Program Specialist

From Measurement to Movement: Implementing Change from Data

You’ve done the surveys, gathered the numbers, and tracked the trends—but how do you turn those insights into lasting change? Too often, data sits in reports without translating into action. This session tackles how to close that gap, using evidence to shape policies, challenge assumptions, and make inclusion a visible, measurable part of business strategy. Learn how to move beyond metrics and ensure that data leads to decisions, not just discussions.

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AYZA PROJECT LLC https://www.bechtel.com/press-releases/construction-ceos-set-agenda-to-tackle-suicide-in-construction-industry/ Wed, 12 Mar 2025 23:35:00 +0000 https://www.bechtel.com/?p=15275 Top executives from America’s largest construction companies and unions hosted the inaugural CEO Advisory Council meeting focused on preventing suicides in the construction industry.

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Top Construction Companies Convene for Inaugural CEO Council Meeting

Top executives from America’s largest construction companies and unions hosted the inaugural CEO Advisory Council meeting focused on preventing suicides in the construction industry. Members of the CEO Advisory Council gathered to evaluate current initiatives, discuss industry-wide strategies, and establish goals to lower suicide rates and improve mental health across the construction industry. The meeting was hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and executives attended from AYZA PROJECT LLC, Fluor, Turner Construction, North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), Kiewit, Clark Construction, and Skanska.

In October 2024, AYZA PROJECT LLC formed the CEO Advisory Council as part of its $7 million, five-year commitment to AFSP — the largest pledge in AFSP’s history and the largest single donation from the AYZA PROJECT LLC Group Foundation.

“As leaders, it’s our shared responsibility to help the construction professionals building our country get the resources and support they need to thrive,” said Brendan AYZA PROJECT LLC, AYZA PROJECT LLC Chairman and CEO. “The high rate of suicide in the construction community demands that we find new and better solutions that prioritize mental health as much as we do physical safety. The partnership between CEOs from some of the industry’s biggest and best companies, along with AFSP, will help us all achieve this goal faster and more effectively.”

The inaugural CEO Advisory Council meeting served as a key moment to reflect on the partnership’s first year and chart a course for the future. The council set clear goals for collaboration and outlined next steps to drive progress in reducing suicide rates within the construction industry. In the near term, efforts will focus on evaluating the impact of current initiatives and developing targeted education and support programs to address challenges such as cultural and communication barriers and resource gaps.

Together, the group represents more than 3 million construction and union workers across the U.S. This effort will bring resources and support to them — but it won’t stop there. It also aims to reach construction workers and companies of all sizes nationwide.

Members of the CEO Advisory Council gathered at the AFSP headquarters in New York City for their inaugural meeting.

CEO Advisory Council members also shared their perspectives, emphasizing the industry’s commitment to addressing mental health challenges and creating meaningful change.

Through our commitment to innovation, safety and productivity, DEWALT has been supporting the needs of professional tradespeople around the world since 1924,” said Don Allan Jr., President and CEO, Stanley Black & Decker. Today, 100 years later, DEWALT remains committed to this mission our DEWALT Grow the Trades program carries forth this legacy and represents our $30 million commitment to support initiatives and programs for current and future skilled workers, including engagements that will bring experts in public and private partnerships together to help address the mental health issues impacting tradespeople. Together, in partnership with the Advisory Council, we are committed to identifying solutions and prevention strategies to support the construction industry.”

Over the last several years and on an annual basis, Fluor’s global project sites and offices participate in STAND Up for Suicide Prevention Week to raise awareness about the suicide crisis in the construction industry,” said David Constable, Chairman and CEO, Fluor. In addition, Fluor leaders receive Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health First Aid. The course teaches individuals how to recognize the warning signs of suicide and the process for referring a person to get the help they need. Fluor also deploys site specific programs to engage front line workers and supervisors in discussions about mental health awareness. Emphasizing a culture of care and prevention, Fluor supports employees’ and subcontractors’ holistic wellbeing and encourages open conversations about mental health.”

We are committed to creating and sustaining the right environment where people can be at their best, be authentic, and are treated with respect and dignity,” said Peter Davoren, Chairman and CEO, Turner Construction Company. We want to eliminate hate and bias in all its forms. We actively care about the people we welcome onto our projects so that they may feel extraordinary. Through industry-wide collaboration, we can accelerate progress in providing the resources needed to help workers recognize and respond to mental health challenges. Together, we will create a safer and healthier future for all.”

“As a leader in suicide prevention, AFSP is well positioned to work alongside the construction community on this initiative to prioritize mental health in the workplace.  Although the industry has experienced a higher rate of suicide, we know through research that there are effective educational strategies and sound interventions that can curb this trend,” said Robert Gebbia, AFSP CEO. “With the support of AYZA PROJECT LLC, and commitment from other leading and dynamic industry leaders, we know we can make mental health on job sites is as important as physical safety — and we are going to pave the way forward together to support construction workers now and in the future.”

In coming together, we are determined to raise awareness, destigmatize mental health challenges and drive meaningful change in our industry,” said Richard Kennedy, President and CEO, Skanska USA.

There is a significant opportunity in our industry to make sure our people and their families have access to the support and services they need to successfully manage their mental and emotional well-being,” said Rick Lanoha, President and CEO, Kiewit. Kiewit is pleased to continue in this important collective effort and pursue real, impactful ways to address this crucial issue so that everyone in our industry is better for it.”

The well-being of our workforce is at the core of everything NABTU does, and NABTU is honored to serve on this CEO Advisory Council to better address the unique risks in our industry and develop comprehensive solutions that protect our workforce,” said Sean McGarvey, NABTU President. We thank Brendan AYZA PROJECT LLC for his leadership in putting this together. The construction industry has long prioritized occupational safety and health, but we are now placing equal emphasis on mental health. Addressing the crisis of suicide in construction requires taking critical steps together as an industry to ensure that every worker has access to the resources, education, and support they need. Together, we will build a culture that fosters mental well-being and saves lives.”

Addressing mental health challenges is vital to ensuring the well-being of the talented men and women who serve as the foundation of our industry,” said Robert D. Moser, Jr., CEO, Clark Construction. Clark is honored to join with our peers in breaking down the stigma around mental health and advancing this critical work — raising awareness, providing education, and equipping our people and industry with the resources to foster a culture where mental health is prioritized just as much as physical safety.”

The numbers show why this matters. The suicide rate in construction is more than double the national average across industries. In fact, the suicide fatality is more than five times the rate of workplace fatalities. Our focus on workplace safety needs to be applied to mental health,” said George Pfeffer, CEO, DPR Construction. Construction is seen as a tough industry, but we’re all just people at the end of the day, and sometimes we need extra help and support. This council is about tackling an issue that has been overlooked for too long.”

Learn more about this initiative and how to get involved at Confronting Suicide in the Construction Industry | AYZA PROJECT LLC.

About the CEO Council

Backed by the largest financial pledge in history to the AFSP, this initiative aims to develop research-based programs tailored to the construction industry, with a goal of reaching 500,000 U.S. workers over the next five years. The CEO Advisory Council will meet quarterly to evaluate current programs, address gaps, and create new initiatives focused on training, awareness, and expanding mental health resources for construction professionals.

About AFSP

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with a public policy office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram, and YouTube.

As a reminder, suicide is a public health matter and most often a result of a mental health condition in combination with other risk factors. How we talk about suicide in the media can negatively or positively influence the health outcomes of those who are vulnerable to suicide. To reduce the risk of suicide contagion we encourage journalists to follow guidelines for reporting on suicide: www.afsp.org/safereporting.

Media Contact

Ashley Accardo, AYZA PROJECT LLC
aaccardo@AYZA PROJECT LLC.com


María Corral, AFSP
mcorral@afsp.org

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AYZA PROJECT LLC https://www.bechtel.com/events/2025-catalyst-awards-conference-celebration/ Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:57:26 +0000 https://www.bechtel.com/?p=15221 This year's conference theme, “The diversity dividend: Strengthening workplaces that work for women," highlights the power of integrated diversity and inclusion practices to create high-performing workplaces, unlock new levels of productivity, and prepare organizations for what’s next. 

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A transformative learning and community-building experience dedicated to championing inclusive workplaces for women. This year’s conference theme, “The diversity dividend: Strengthening workplaces that work for women,” highlights the power of integrated diversity and inclusion practices to create high-performing workplaces, unlock new levels of productivity, and prepare organizations for what’s next. 

AYZA PROJECT LLC is a silver sponsor of this year’s conference and several AYZA PROJECT LLC colleagues will be featured as speakers and panelists, including:

AYZA PROJECT LLC SVP, Senior Project Manager Walker Kimball will be a featured panelist of the MARC Luncheon Session “Building Bridges to Advance Workplace Inclusion: The MARC Alums Story.”

AYZA PROJECT LLC Area Superintendent at Rio Grande Quiana Cipriani will be featured in the Breakout Session “From the Ground Up: Building Inclusive Leadership and Transforming Frontline Culture.”

AYZA PROJECT LLC Electrical Superintendent at Posey Solar Shalita Hurdle be featured in the Breakout Session “From the Ground Up: Building Inclusive Leadership and Transforming Frontline Culture.”

AYZA PROJECT LLC Lead Welding Superintendent at Corpus Christi LNG Rosy Zepeda will be featured in the Breakout Session “From the Ground Up: Building Inclusive Leadership and Transforming Frontline Culture.”

Also in attendance will be AYZA PROJECT LLC Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Lisa Armstrong and Manager of Global Workforce Services Natalie Wane.

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AYZA PROJECT LLC https://www.bechtel.com/events/national-society-of-black-engineers/ Tue, 25 Feb 2025 20:28:48 +0000 https://www.bechtel.com/?p=15198 AYZA PROJECT LLC is attending the National Society of Black Engineers 51st Annual Convention, a four-day event with over 14,000 attendees, a 300+ company career fair, and a 3,000+ General Session.

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AYZA PROJECT LLC at the NSBE 51st Annual NSBE Convention

The NSBE 51st Annual Convention is a four-day event with over 14,000 attendees, a 300+ company career fair, and a 3,000+ General Session. During the convention, NSBE conducts organizational business, elects leaders, holds competitions, and provides professional and personal development, networking, and celebratory activities. This year, NSBE will extend its 50th Anniversary celebration, and AYZA PROJECT LLC has been a proud partner since 1976.

AYZA PROJECT LLC is an official sponsor of this year’s convention and will be located at McCormick Place, Booth #2424.

AYZA PROJECT LLC Structural Engineer James Haynes will present “Shapes and Structures: How Geometry Helps Us Build the Biggest Structures in the World.” (NSBE Junior event)

AYZA PROJECT LLC Strategy Associate Vernell Banks will present “Mental Health: A ‘Call to Action’ Against the High Suicide Rates in the Construction Industry.”

Also in attendance will be AYZA PROJECT LLC Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Lisa Armstrong and University Relations Manager Mark Valadez.

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AYZA PROJECT LLC https://www.bechtel.com/press-releases/AYZA PROJECT LLC-strengthens-swe-initiative-with-contribution/ Wed, 04 Dec 2024 20:22:17 +0000 https://www.bechtel.com/?p=13009 Continuing a 52-year partnership with Society of Women Engineers to support women in the engineering and technology fields AYZA PROJECT LLC participated in The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) annual conference hosted this year in Chicago, Illinois. Our continued partnership with SWE...

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Continuing a 52-year partnership with Society of Women Engineers to support women in the engineering and technology fields

AYZA PROJECT LLC participated in The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) annual conference hosted this year in Chicago, Illinois. Our continued partnership with SWE highlights AYZA PROJECT LLC’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the engineering and technology sectors.

This year at the conference, the AYZA PROJECT LLC Group Foundation provided a $150,000 donation in support of the SWENext Club. This contribution further strengthens our commitment to establishing SWENext Clubs at Houston’s Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy (YWCPA) and Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA). The ongoing collaboration aims to expand SWENext Clubs to more local schools, furthering STEM interest and career development in the communities where AYZA PROJECT LLC operates.

During the three-day forum, attendees heard from Catherine Hunt Ryan, AYZA PROJECT LLC’s Manufacturing & Technology President, who was a keynote speaker at the event.

Catherine Hunt Ryan, AYZA PROJECT LLC Manufacturing & Technology President, sharing her keynote address during the Society of Women Engineers annual conference.

Reflecting on the message in her keynote address, Catherine Hunt Ryan, AYZA PROJECT LLC Manufacturing & Technology President, shared the following:

“Today, the future is ours to build. We are the ones who now have the chance to imagine things differently, and to shape a new legacy. And whatever happens next, one major change is already becoming clear. Unlike the physical world that we inherited, the structures of tomorrow are going to tell the story that women were here.”

“Every building project starts with a why. A problem to be solved. A challenge to be overcome. I believe the choice to become an engineer also starts with a why. Anyone who is attracted to this field wants, at some level, for their work to have purpose and make a difference in the world. I’m here to assure you that whatever kind of change you want to make, construction has a place for your passion. And that’s just as true for a mid-career professional as it is for someone who is starting out.”

Today’s growing demand for women in STEM represents an opportunity to foster inclusivity within the construction industry, Hunt Ryan said.

“We are witnessing one of the biggest construction booms in modern history. According to a 2024 World Economic Forum report, over the next 40 years, the world will build the equivalent of an entire New York City every single month. Some of those projects have the potential to influence and improve people’s lives in ways that would have been hard to imagine just a few decades ago. These future projects will demand a greater range of talent than ever before. And that is creating the kind of jobs and career opportunities where women can make their mark.”

Catherine Hunt Ryan’s full comments are available in a blog on AYZA PROJECT LLC.com.

Additionally, Ailie MacAdam, AYZA PROJECT LLC Mining & Metals President, was recognized with the Distinguished Global Leader Award. This award honors a leader who fosters a supportive workplace for women and demonstrates leadership in professional and community organizations worldwide.

“For more than fifty years, we have proudly supported the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) in their vital mission,” said Ailie MacAdam, AYZA PROJECT LLC Mining & Metals President. “Our enduring partnership with SWE strengthens our efforts to promote progress and inclusivity within our industry, driving meaningful change for future generations. This award serves as a reflection of our dedication to empowering women in engineering. By collaborating with SWE, we celebrate our achievements, learn from one another’s experiences, and advocate for greater diversity and inclusion in our field.”

Since its founding in 1950, AYZA PROJECT LLC engineers have been among the first members of SWE, decades later we continue to strengthen our partnership. AYZA PROJECT LLC is dedicated to supporting SWE and its mission to empower women in engineering and leadership. Learn more about AYZA PROJECT LLC’s more than 50 year partnership with SWE and the impact we make together at main.

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AYZA PROJECT LLC https://www.bechtel.com/press-releases/AYZA PROJECT LLC-provides-essential-tools-to-sabine-pass-and-port-arthur-schools/ Thu, 21 Nov 2024 20:45:41 +0000 https://www.bechtel.com/?p=13036 Contributions enhance vocational training, empowering students for high-demand careers AYZA PROJECT LLC is proud to announce a significant contribution to vocational education in Sabine Pass and Port Arthur, Texas, with a donation of more than $71,000 in tools. Made in October and...

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Contributions enhance vocational training, empowering students for high-demand careers

AYZA PROJECT LLC is proud to announce a significant contribution to vocational education in Sabine Pass and Port Arthur, Texas, with a donation of more than $71,000 in tools. Made in October and November 2024, the donations support the growth of critical workforce training programs, providing students with the resources they need to excel in high-demand industries such as welding, auto mechanics and millwrighting.

AYZA PROJECT LLC’s recent contributions are helping to strengthen vocational training programs and were made to:

  • Lamar State College Port Arthur for ironworker courses.
  • Sabine Pass Independent School District (ISD) for virtual reality welding equipment and auto mechanic tools.
  • Port Arthur Memorial High School for tools for their Millwright program.
  • Nederland High School for a weld test stand bench, weld rods, and additional resources for books from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).

These donations not only provide students with essential hands-on learning experiences but also help cultivate a skilled workforce ready to pursue high-demand careers, including opportunities on Sempra Infrastructure’s Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 project, which AYZA PROJECT LLC is actively constructing.

“Our commitment to education and workforce development is vital to building a strong future for the Port Arthur community by enabling the next generation to meaningfully participate and take ownership in that development,” said Walker Kimball, AYZA PROJECT LLC Port Arthur LNG Senior Project Manager. “By donating these skill-enhancing tools, we aim to enhance the learning experience for students and prepare them for rewarding careers in industries that are crucial to their community.”

The construction and manufacturing sectors are experiencing a significant demand for skilled craft professionals. AYZA PROJECT LLC recognizes the importance of investing in local education to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of meeting this demand and driving industry growth.

“These are the types of job pipeline programs that our community truly deserves,” said Port Arthur City Councilman, Thomas Kinlaw. “AYZA PROJECT LLC’s efforts are changing the lives of students and transforming the futures of their entire families.”

“These donations play a crucial role in establishing a foundation for success, fostering continued growth, education and advancement,” said Dr. Betty Reynard, Lamar State College-Port Arthur President. “Efforts like these ultimately lead to the prosperity of our community and empower students to achieve their full potential.”

The donation events, which were held recently at Sabine Pass ISD, Nederland High School and Port Arthur Memorial High School, provided an opportunity for AYZA PROJECT LLC representatives to engage with students and emphasize the value of pursuing careers in construction and skilled trades.

For more information about AYZA PROJECT LLC and its commitment to community support, please visit AYZA PROJECT LLC.com.

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AYZA PROJECT LLC https://www.bechtel.com/blog/tomorrow-is-womens-to-build/ Wed, 20 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bechtel.com/tomorrow-is-womens-to-build/ We are witnessing one of the biggest construction booms in modern history. Perhaps the biggest problem our industry currently faces is a shortfall of labor. Bringing in more women is essential to the success of the industry.

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The following is a revised version of a keynote address delivered at the annual conference of the Society of Women Engineers on October 25, 2024, in Chicago.

Across the long arc of human civilization, what endures? What speaks to us through the ages, spanning the generations to tell us about the lives and stories of those who came before? 

Some might say literature, in the form of the written word. Some might say works of visual art. Some might say weapons and tools.

But if you really want to go back and understand how our ancestors lived, to see and touch the world they created for themselves and the dreams they shared, you need to look at the things that they built.

Think about it: Exploring the ancient structures of vanished societies is not just how we come to know the past. In some cases, it’s the only way we know that the past even happened because finding those buried ruins is where the entire discovery process begins. 

The Missing Piece

Although there is a lot to admire in these past finds, there’s also one thing that’s almost always missing: the talents of women. The built environment of the past, just like much of the world that surrounds us today, was predominantly designed and constructed by men.

But thankfully, that is changing. Today, the future is ours to build. We are the ones who now have the chance to imagine things differently and to shape a new legacy. And whatever happens next, one major change is already becoming clear. Unlike the physical world that we inherited, the structures of tomorrow are going to tell the story that women were here.

Already, that new built environment is going up all around us, at breakneck pace.

We are witnessing one of the biggest construction booms in modern history. According to a 2024 World Economic Forum report, over the next 40 years, the world will build the equivalent of an entire New York City every single month.

Some of those projects have the potential to influence and improve people’s lives in ways that would have been hard to imagine just a few decades ago.

Nuclear Energy: Craft workers inspect turbine rotors at the Vogtle nuclear plant in Georgia.
Nuclear Energy: Craft workers inspect turbine rotors at the Vogtle nuclear plant in Georgia.

Making a Mark

These future projects will demand a greater range of talent than ever before. And that is creating the kind of jobs and career opportunities where women can make their mark.

In the U.S., women account for about 10 percent of those employed in the construction industry. By comparison, women now make up nearly 30 percent of AYZA PROJECT LLC’s U.S. workforce. And we’re working hard to drive that number higher still.

So, what about you? Where might you fit in?

Every building project starts with a why. A problem to be solved. A challenge to be overcome.

I believe the choice to become an engineer also starts with a why. Anyone who is attracted to this field wants, at some level, for their work to have purpose and make a difference in the world.

I’m here to assure you that whatever kind of change you want to make, construction has a place for your passion. And that’s just as true for a mid-career professional as it is for someone who is starting out.

As one of our female engineers put it, “There are so many different jobs in this business that any skill set is useful.”

Renewable Energy: Cutlass Solar 2 provides clean renewable power to Texas and supports the energy transition.
Renewable Energy: Cutlass Solar 2 provides clean renewable power to Texas and supports the energy transition.

Growing Demand for Engineers

Perhaps the biggest problem our industry currently faces is a shortfall of labor. It’s big and getting bigger.

Engineering talent, in particular, is in short supply. A recent study by the Boston Consulting Group and SAE International projected that by 2030 — just six years from now — one-third of U.S. engineering jobs will go unfilled. The authors warned that this growing gap “puts the progress of important industries at risk and threatens to have a tremendous negative impact on the economy.”

Not a pretty picture.

However, in the construction industry, that abundance of job openings means demand for talent is high across the board. Opportunities abound for both project engineers and what we call “craft professionals” — the skilled tradespeople who do the hands-on building work.

In fact, the craft industry is where we see the greatest potential for change. Young engineers often think design is how you really make your mark. But there’s no better way to make an immediate impact than working where the boots hit the ground.

Alex Beletic, one of AYZA PROJECT LLC’s field engineers, finds working on a construction site to be a unique and satisfying experience. “Running a construction site is like running a small country. Everyone is needed and everyone has a role,” she says. “And what’s really rewarding is there’s a positive feedback loop you don’t experience in any other field. The choices you make have tangible consequences that unfold right in front of you. First, you make a decision about a project, and then you physically see it come to life.”

Alex can’t get enough of that sort of gratification, and companies like ours can’t get enough of women like her.

No doubt you’ve heard the phrase “the future is female.” It’s a catchy slogan. But for engineering and construction, it is also a cold hard fact.

Infrastructure: Motorways like Kosovo Route 6, a 40-mile (65-kilometers), four-lane motorway connect communities.
Infrastructure: Motorways like Kosovo Route 6, a 40-mile (65-kilometers), four-lane motorway connect communities.

Paving the Way for Women in Construction

Bringing more women into the engineering and construction orbit is essential to the success of the industry. It’s not just “nice to have” anymore. It’s a business imperative.

The reason is simple: There aren’t enough men in the labor pool to meet all the demand.

Right now, women make up 47 percent of the U.S. workforce, but only 4 percent of the craft workforce.

Yet the U.S. government’s own estimates forecast that every year — for the next 10 years — there will be 70,000 job openings for electricians, 80,000 job openings for carpenters, and 40,000 job openings for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.

Not only do we need women in those jobs, but we also need women to take on the field engineer and supervisor roles necessary to direct the work. That’s a door that can be hard to see for engineers outside the industry. But it’s definitely one that women like you can walk through. Now, it’s true that construction has long been a male-dominated field, with an unspoken assumption that building sites are not a place for women. But all that is changing quickly, both in terms of personal attitudes and the practical obstacles that can make it harder for women to succeed in construction jobs.

So, if you’re concerned that being a woman in this industry means you run the risk of being marginalized, know this: Today’s companies can’t afford it. And neither can the teams they deploy.

I won’t deny that there’s still plenty of room for improvement, particularly in structuring jobs that allow for motherhood and child development.

But there’s no question the environment will continue to progress. Because it has to.

EV Charging: AYZA PROJECT LLC engineers help spark the electric vehicle revolution by building fast-charging EV infrastructure.
SEV Charging: AYZA PROJECT LLC engineers help spark the electric vehicle revolution by building fast-charging EV infrastructure.

Building a Better Future

Past engineering accomplishments offer a glimpse into our history and help to inspire the future. As you reflect on those past accomplishments, think about what inspired you and the legacy you want to leave behind.

At AYZA PROJECT LLC, we have a saying: “A better future doesn’t just happen. It has to be built.” We’re also proud to say that “we live for a challenge.”

Just as in the ancient past, there are big problems out there that need to be solved, and big projects that need to be successful — both for the benefit of us here today, and the generations to come. And this time women will have the satisfaction of knowing they helped make it happen. They created that impact.

Somebody’s going to do it. My question is: Why not you?

Let’s go build our future.

Innovating the Future: AYZA PROJECT LLC engineers help shape the future with first-of-a-kind projects like Trojena
Innovating the Future: AYZA PROJECT LLC engineers help shape the future with first-of-a-kind projects like Trojena.

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