Hands-on program grows future construction leaders through real-world experience
Caliber 1 Construction announced the expansion of its Building My Blueprint internship program to a year-round initiative, reinforcing the company’s commitment to workforce development and the next generation of construction professionals.
Since its launch in 2016, the program has welcomed more than 40 college students from across the Southeast, providing hands-on experience in project management, job site coordination, and real-world construction environments. This summer, Caliber 1 hosted seven interns across multiple university programs and welcomed back two returning students who are continuing their development within the company.
“We built this program to give students a real view of what construction looks like – helping them go beyond a textbook to active projects in the field,” said Chris Elliott, CEO of Caliber 1 Construction. “Expanding the program to operate year-round means we can invest even more deeply in developing the future leaders of our industry.”
The Summer 2025 Building My Blueprint interns included:
- Cohen Palmore, Auburn University, Building Science
- Cole Houston, Auburn University, Building Science
- Zyler Crane, University of North Georgia, Business Management
- J’Len Jordan, Kennesaw State University, Construction Management
- Jesan Heard, Georgia Southern University, Construction Management
- Noah Ramos, Georgia Southern University, Construction Management
- Josh Boston, University of West Georgia, Business Management
Returning interns included Emily Kelly (University of West Georgia) who expanded her focus to include HR and administration, and Gabriel Herrera (Kennesaw State University) who continued his experience working alongside Caliber 1’s field superintendents.
“One thing that really stood out to me was how much more hands-on and engaging this internship was compared to other programs,” said Cole Houston, a Building Science major at Auburn University. “We weren’t just learning by observing, we were involved every day. It’s clear the team truly cares about helping interns grow, and that made all the difference.”
The internship program is designed to give students practical exposure to commercial construction, from preconstruction planning to project delivery. Interns work side by side with seasoned field experts and project managers, often contributing to high-profile builds such as municipal centers, educational facilities, and retail developments.
As Caliber 1 scales its internship program into a year-round model, it also invites applications from students in construction management, engineering, and business-related fields who are looking to gain meaningful experience and mentorship in the industry.
For more information or to apply, visit: https://caliber1construction.com/caliber-1-construction-internships
About Caliber 1 Construction
Caliber 1 Construction, Inc. is a woman-owned, Georgia-based commercial general contractor with a 37-state footprint. Since 2005, clients across industries have trusted Caliber 1 to take ownership from day one—managing every detail from concept to completion. Known for proactive communication, expert project delivery, and long-term partnerships, Caliber 1 builds high-performance spaces with integrity, quality, and satisfaction at every step. Learn more at https://caliber1construction.com/.
