In the commercial construction industry, the role that internships play in shaping tomorrow’s workforce cannot be overstated. Internships not only provide young people with the opportunity to gain experience and explore the profession, but it is also one of the best ways to cultivate the talent that will allow the commercial construction industry to thrive in the next generation and beyond.

Careers in commercial construction are hands-on, requiring a blend of critical thinking, technical skill, and a deep understanding of the many systems and processes that must work together for successful builds. Success in such a complex environment requires both classroom knowledge and hands-on experience. The Fleming Construction Group’s internship program, helmed by chief estimator Clint Calvert, is designed to help students put their theoretical knowledge into practice in a way that is both measured and comprehensive.

By providing exposure to aspects of the field, including estimating, project management, and site work, Fleming interns are able to try their hands at a variety of roles. The program is multi-faceted by design, and developed to mirror Fleming’s mission of cultivating trust, talent and passion in its workforce. Operating in various roles helps students discern which aspects of the industry provide the ideal amount of challenge and fulfillment. This results in expertise, commitment, and excellence in output.

The program aligns with Fleming’s larger mission to build strong teams and perform with integrity and respect for our clients, their budgets, and their overarching business goals.

Shane Wingate, this season’s intern at our Tulsa, OK offices, is a senior at Oklahoma State University, graduating this December with a degree in marketing and communications, with plans to pursue a career in estimating.

After finding and researching our company online, Shane reached out to us with an internship inquiry, demonstrating the kind of initiative and drive we value in our team members. Since joining our team, he has displayed curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn—qualities that made it an easy decision for us to offer him a full-time position upon graduation.

Shane’s success illustrates the value of internships in creating confidence and career pathways for the next generation of builders. We are thrilled that Shane has accepted our offer, and we look forward to seeing the impact he’ll make as part of our estimating team.

When asked about the value he’s gained as a Fleming intern, Shane spoke of how the experience has broadened his skill set. In addition to the opportunity to work in multiple departments, which he says helped diversify his capabilities and helped him better understand how to meet client needs, Shane also says the experience helped him build soft skills, including communication and writing. One of the key benefits of interning at Fleming, according to Shane, is the culture, which he describes as being warm, friendly, with a relaxed family atmosphere where help is always available and questions are encouraged. “Everyone shows up with a smile. Everyone is very friendly and very willing to teach me and help me.”

Growing Talent at Fleming and Beyond

The Fleming internship program is one of many in the industry that are nurturing talent and strengthening the construction industry’s workforce pipeline. Our program is committed to providing a supportive learning environment for students interested in pursuing commercial construction as a career.

We are always on the lookout for motivated, hard-working candidates who want to build their field knowledge and project management capabilities. We encourage students in Oklahoma and beyond to apply for a Fleming internship, and we encourage educators to connect with us to explore opportunities. The ideal Fleming candidate is a critical thinker who is passionate, driven, and willing to learn.