We are excited to be the first school partner in Ground Up, a new workforce development and community engagement initiative launched by OLIO Development Group that connects high school career‑technical students with active commercial construction projects.
The program began this spring through a partnership with DACC’s Construction Technology program, providing students with firsthand exposure to real‑world construction environments. Construction Technology juniors visited the job site on April 27, followed by seniors on May 7, at OLIO’s active CAVA restaurant project in Powell, Ohio.
During the visits, students toured the site alongside OLIO project managers, site managers, and trade partners, gaining direct insight into multiple phases of construction, including framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and concrete work. The experience allowed students to see classroom learning applied in an active job site and to engage with professionals working in the field every day.
“Opportunities like these provide students with real‑world experiences that can be a differentiator when they are considering multiple career paths,” said Brandon Schwyn, DACC Construction Technology instructor. “It can help solidify a future path or introduce students to areas of the industry they may not have previously considered.”
In addition to hosting the site visits, OLIO Development Group donated $500 to support DACC’s Construction Technology program. Each participating student also received a Ground Up Kit containing professional safety gear and tools, including an OSHA‑compliant hard hat, cut‑resistant work gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, a tape measure, construction pencils, and additional gear provided in partnership with Procore.
The construction industry is currently facing a nationwide shortage of skilled workers, and programs like Ground Up help address that challenge by connecting students directly with professionals, technology, and career pathways while they are still in high school.
DACC is thankful for OLIO Development Group’s investment in students, staff, and the future workforce. Partnerships like this reflect the shared commitment of education and industry to provide students with authentic, hands‑on learning experiences that prepare them for success after graduation.
OLIO Development Group builds restaurant, retail, and commercial projects across the Midwest and Southeast and works with national brands including Panda Express, Shake Shack, CAVA, Chase, and 7 Brew. The company plans to expand the Ground Up program to additional vocational schools near its job sites in the future.
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