Page 37 - B2B Spring19

NATE SHORTEN
CARPENTER FOREMAN, DICK
ANDERSON CONSTRUCTION BY ALANA CUNNINGHAM
For the last 14 years, Nate Shorten, has worked as a Carpenter Foreman for Dick Anderson Construction and is currently working on Helena School District’s Bryant School project. The Helena native followed in his father’s footsteps, and after taking a few classes at Helena High School, he decided to pursue construction and is happy that he did.
What is a Carpenter Foreman to begin with? A Carpenter Foreman is a supervisor and manager on any major construction project. This person tends to be the “go to” person on a project and is
the immediate supervisor for
other carpenters. The Carpenter Foreman’s supervisor is usually the construction foreman or project manager. To become a Carpenter Foreman, you start as a laborer and work your way up. The average salary for this position is in range of $50,000.
The average day for Shorten starts at 6 am and ends at 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, with half days on Fridays. Shorten said that the hardest part of the job is usually the wear and tear the labor can
have on your body and, of course, the cold and unexpected weather Montana can have. However, he emphasized how much he loves to see projects that he has worked on around town.
“I love being able to see my work around town especially historical buildings that Dick Anderson Construction has worked on,” said Shorten.
Shorten said that if you’re an individual who does not mind hard work and looking for a schedule that never stays the same, then this career is for you. He recommends polishing your skills early on in high school by taking specialized classes.
“When I went to Helena High School I took specialized classes such as welding which has helped me in my job position today,” said Shorten.
Shorten also said that if he could go back in time, he would take advantage of Dick Anderson’s apprenticeship program. The 9-month program is registered
with the State of Montana, so
when an employee completes the whole program, they not only get recognition from Dick Anderson Construction but also the state of Montana. DAC created the program to help build Helena’s workforce internally and invest in their employees long term prospects since it is hard to nd quali ed workers in the area.
A traditional college degree is not required for this line
of work, but Shorten highly
recommends advancing your skills and knowledge especially if you’re looking to advance up in the industry whether it’s through taking a class or going through the apprenticeship program at DAC.
“If you are looking advance to a Foreman and Superintendent role, the program gives you an extra boost as you can advance your skills and knowledge in the construction industry,” said Shorten.
Dick Anderson Construction and the Helena Chamber of Commerce’s Helena WINS program would like to invite 5th grades who may be interested in this line of work to Building Helena from the Ground Up. The event will be held on May 17th, 2019 at Helena College from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Field trips for 5th grades will be scheduled from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm and an open house to the public will be from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. For more information on this event, please contact Annie Chase from Dick Anderson Construction at achase@ daconstruction.com or (406) 389- 7015. ■
SPRING 2019
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