Ready to shake up the construction industry? Virginia Tech sure is! With its brand-new Construction Safety Leadership major, the Myers-Lawson School of Construction is gearing up to crank out the next wave of safety heroes—and they’re not just here to play it safe, they’re here to lead! If you thought construction was all about steel and concrete, think again. The real foundation of any successful project is safety, and Virginia Tech is building the leaders who will make sure every job site is safer, smarter, and stronger.
Responding to a Demand for Leaders, Not Rule-Followers
Why this program, and why now? Because the construction industry is screaming for leaders who know how to keep workers safe and projects on track. We’re talking about professionals who don’t just check boxes, but actually understand how to weave safety into the DNA of every project. According to Brian M. Kleiner, the man spearheading the initiative at Virginia Tech, this major isn’t just another program—it’s a response to industry demand for safety-savvy leaders who know their way around an OSHA handbook but can also lead a team with confidence and clarity (Forward Pathway).
Transforming the Way We Think About Safety
This isn’t your grandpa’s safety course. While other programs focus on throwing regulations at you like confetti, Virginia Tech’s new major is about changing the game. They’re here to teach that safety isn’t a necessary evil—it’s the secret sauce for a more productive, cost-effective, and successful project. Kleiner says it best: “Safety isn’t a burden. It’s the ultimate productivity booster!” Imagine that—getting things done and getting your people home safe.
The Courses: Your Ticket to Becoming a Safety Pro with Style
The heart of this major lies in its hands-on, action-packed curriculum. Students don’t just sit in a classroom and listen—they get out there and do the work, applying safety techniques in real-world situations. Here’s the VIP tour of the courses that will make these graduates stand out from the crowd:
- CEM 2714: Construction Safety Systems – The ABCs of safety systems and why they’re the backbone of any successful job site.
- CEM 3164: Construction Health and Safety – Regulations, laws, and all that good stuff—but taught in a way that actually makes sense.
- CEM 3714: Controlling Construction Safety Hazards – A crash course in spotting hazards and stopping them in their tracks.
- CEM 4714: Construction Safety Culture – Build a culture of safety that sticks, from the top down.
- CEM 4724: Construction Industry Futures: Safety, Health, and Wellness – The future is here, and it’s full of innovative solutions for a safer industry.
And, of course, students will leave with their OSHA-10 certification in hand, making them the go-to safety gurus on any job site.
Real-World Impact: Changing the Way Students Approach Construction
This major isn’t just about handing out diplomas—it’s about making real changes in the way students see and approach the construction industry. Take Jacob Kmieciak, for example, one of the students already making waves in the program. “It’s more than just learning safety rules,” Kmieciak says. “It’s about taking those rules and turning them into actionable strategies that make a difference on the job.” Armed with the skills and knowledge from this major, students like Jacob will hit the ground running, helping to shape the future of construction safety (Forward Pathway)(Construo).
Innovation Beyond the Classroom
But wait, there’s more! Virginia Tech isn’t content to just teach safety—they’re working on innovating it. Through the Center for Innovation in Safety, Health, and Well-being, the university is hard at work on projects like evaluating and improving construction helmets. It’s all part of their mission to keep the industry moving forward, safer, and more efficient (Forward Pathway).
Virginia Tech: Leading the Industry into the Future
Virginia Tech’s new Construction Safety Leadership major isn’t just a program—it’s a movement. It’s setting the standard for what safety in construction should look like, and their graduates are going to be the ones leading the charge. Whether you’re a safety expert, a project manager, or a future site superintendent, this major will equip you with the skills you need to lead with safety and get the job done right.
So, if you want to be part of the next generation of construction safety leaders, Virginia Tech has your blueprint. Get ready to build something great—and do it safely.
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