In its second year, local nonprofit celebrates deepening collaboration with construction industry leaders committed to building the next generation of skilled professionals
NEW ORLEANS — unCommon Construction, a local nonprofit that uses the construction build process to empower youth with the skills, networks, resources, and experiences to lead the workforce, has announced its 2026 Greater New Orleans Industry Circle cohort. Now in its third year, the Industry Circle continues to grow as a network of leading construction companies investing in the next generation of builders while supporting growth and sustainability in the regional workforce.
“We are seeing real momentum as more companies recognize that investing in young people is essential to the future of our industry,” said unCommon Construction Chief Executive Officer Aaron Frumin. “The Industry Circle is about creating meaningful connections between our apprentices and the professionals who can open doors, share knowledge, and help build lasting career pathways.”
Each year, unCommon Construction partners with public schools, homeschools, and youth-serving organizations to provide technical and professional skills training for youth ages 16 to 20 through a paid apprenticeship model. Apprentices earn an hourly wage, school credit, industry exposure, and funding awards while building a house or other project over the course of a school year.
Since 2015, uCC has created more than 650 paid apprenticeship roles, with youth collectively earning over $800,000 in wages and scholarships. Every program graduate has completed high school on time, and 95% of recent graduates either enrolled in postsecondary education or secured employment within three months of graduation.
Industry Circle members engage unCommon youth throughout the year through hiring fairs, build days, field trips, and mentorship opportunities. In addition to financial support, members provide direct access to professional networks and career pathways for young people.
Members emphasize that this partnership represents a long-term investment in the future of the industry.
“At Mayer Building Company, our partnership with unCommon Construction reflects our belief that investing in people is essential to building a stronger industry and community,” said Ryan Mayer, Owner of Mayer Building Company. “Workforce development creates meaningful career pathways, strengthens local talent, and ensures the future of construction remains skilled, diverse, and opportunity-driven. We’re proud to support an organization that equips young people with both technical abilities and life skills that will serve them for years to come.”
The 2026 Greater New Orleans Industry Circle includes the following members:
Leader Level
RGGC
Landis
Journeyman Level
Frischhertz Electric
AOS Interior Environments
Gallo Mechanical
Helper Level
Mayer Building Company
Gibbs Construction
AECOM Hunt
Brighter Horizons Construction
Pelican Playgrounds
Crew Level
Hahn Enterprises
Chris Paving
Zach the Builder
The Industry Circle is co-chaired by Andre Kelly of the Louisiana Associated General Contractors and Jeb Bruneau of the Associated Builders and Contractors New Orleans Bayou Chapter.
Industry Circle membership opens each January and closes March 31. For more information on unCommon Construction and the Greater New Orleans Industry Circle, visit www.uncommonconstruction.org or contact info@uncommonconstruction.org.
About unCommon Construction
unCommon Construction is a nonprofit that uses the build process to empower youth to lead the workforce after high school or college. Through its apprenticeship program, students earn hourly pay and high school credit while working alongside a diverse team of peers, educators, and industry professionals to complete a construction project. Apprentices gain valuable technical, professional, and leadership skills while building strong networks for future careers. Since its founding in 2015, unCommon Construction has partnered with over 20 public schools in two cities and has employed more than 650 young people who have collectively earned over $800,000 in wages and scholarships. To learn more, visit www.uncommonconstruction.org or follow unCommon Construction on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.