Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has launched BuildLAX Academy, a new program designed to prepare small contracting businesses for success when working on projects at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
With major construction programs now beginning or on the horizon as part of LAWA’s multi-billion-dollar capital improvement program, including the LAX Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP) and the Midfield Satellite Concourse, LAWA will have an ever-greater need for qualified contracting businesses. BuildLAX will help meet that need by helping contractors gain familiarity with the company’s contracting procedures.
The BuildLAX Academy offers an eight-week curriculum that details what small business contractors need to know about working with LAWA and its prime contractors, from project planning and labor compliance to requirements governing inclusivity and bonding. The program is free, with courses held each Thursday until August 1.
“For a new contractor, working with a municipal department as big as Los Angeles World Airports can feel like a big project by itself,” said Bob Gilbert, chief development officer, LAWA. “With BuildLAX, we can connect with local small business contractors to help them build a successful business while helping to build the future of LAX.”
BuildLAX is the latest program offered by LAWA to help more Angelenos who own small businesses in the construction industry, especially those from areas surrounding LAX, to successfully navigate and find contracting opportunities with LAWA.
“Other programs include the LAWA Small Business Matchmaking Seminar, which directly connected prospective subcontractors and suppliers with prime contractors, and well as its monthly ‘How to Do Business with LAWA’ workshops, which provide training for prospective contractors and vendors. LAWA also offers the HireLAX Apprenticeship Readiness Program, which targets local workers to make them ready for careers in the construction trades.
A total of 27 small businesses are participating in the first BuildLAX Academy. The complete schedule includes courses in project planning; project labor agreement (PLA), local hire and labor compliance; surety bonds and insurance; construction management; and project administration. Courses are led by representatives from LAWA, LAWA’s prime contractors and other professionals associated with LAWA and its contractors.
