At Carroll Daniel, staying a step ahead means investing in the next generation of builders.
Our Apprenticeship Program is designed to equip future leaders with the skills, training, and experience they need to succeed in commercial construction. It’s more than a learning opportunity; it’s a direct pathway to a lasting career.
What is the Apprenticeship Program?
Carroll Daniel’s two-year apprenticeship program is built for high school students, trade school students, and prospective team members who want to grow into construction leadership roles. Apprentices receive a combination of technical college instruction and real-world jobsite training, giving them a well-rounded foundation in commercial construction.
What sets the Carroll Daniel Apprenticeship Program apart?
Technical College Training
Apprentices complete a targeted curriculum focused on preparing them for field engineer responsibilities. Courses include civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical systems, as well as construction management, estimating, and scheduling.
Hands-On Jobsite Experience
Each apprentice completes approximately 4,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training on an active Carroll Daniel jobsite—learning directly from experienced superintendents and project teams.
Dual Enrollment Option
High school students age 17 and older may apply to dual-enroll, allowing them to complete high school graduation requirements, attend technical college, and gain jobsite experience simultaneously.
Stackable Toward a Four-Year Degree
Graduates can apply their associate degree credits toward a bachelor’s degree in construction or a related field if they choose to continue their education.
Paid Work and Covered Costs
Carroll Daniel covers the cost of all training, and apprentices earn a progressive wage with benefits while they’re enrolled in the program. That means no student debt and valuable paid experience.
A Track Record of Success
The program is designed to fast-track serious, hardworking individuals into leadership roles within commercial construction. Apprentices must maintain a 3.0 GPA and are recognized with a graduation ceremony upon completion of the program.
From Apprentice to Full-Time: Dylan’s Story
Dylan Clark began his journey with Carroll Daniel’s Apprenticeship Program in 2023, graduating in 2025 and moving into a full-time role on the Blue Ridge Connector project. He was drawn to the program by both the future of the construction industry and the company itself.
“There’s a huge future in construction, especially with this company,” Dylan said. “A company that was willing to invest in me by sending me to school is a place I want to be.”
Throughout the program, Dylan split his time between the classroom and the jobsite—starting many mornings at work and heading to class after lunch, while some days were spent fully onsite assisting his mentors, Mark Kennedy and Chuck Ford. For Dylan, learning to manage time effectively was key. Balancing school and work taught him how to stay productive and valuable on the job every day.
In addition to technical courses and on-the-job training, apprentices participate in an in-house Carroll Daniel training program that provides an opportunity to review the construction in a hands-on way.
“The Carroll Daniel training classes helped deepen my understanding of everything that goes into a construction job,” Dylan shared. “Getting to actually dig into plans—not just the ones on my site, but other sites too—gave me a better idea of what to expect in the field. Building relationships with everyone in the classes and being able to talk through problems on our job sites and help each other out made a big difference.”
The broader exposure from the internal trainings strengthened his technical understanding and expanded his perspective.
One defining moment for Dylan came when his supervisor was away, and Dylan was given the opportunity to manage not only his own tasks but also the responsibilities of a superintendent.
“That’s when I got my first taste of being a superintendent, and it solidified my confidence in my career path.” he said.
The experience confirmed he was ready to take the next step following his graduation from the program. Now a full-time team member, Dylan credits the apprenticeship program as instrumental in preparing him for his career and setting him up for long-term success at Carroll Daniel.
Building the Future, One Leader at a Time
Carroll Daniel’s Apprenticeship Program is about more than training, it’s about developing confident, capable leaders who are ready to shape the future of construction. Through hands-on learning, formal education, and ongoing support, apprentices are building strong, rewarding careers from day one.