Building their future: Adena Construction expands apprenticeship program | Adena Corporation

Adena Construction is expanding its in-house apprenticeship program to include iron-workers alongside carpentry training as it enters its second year, broadening workforce development efforts in north central Ohio.

The company’s two-year program, accredited by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), combines classroom learning with hands-on experience across diverse construction projects. Currently limited to existing employees, the program has shown promising results in its first year.

“Training skilled workers has helped combat the struggle that we have with finding skilled tradesmen. Instead of hiring them, which is limited, it’s more about building them,” said Josh Darling, Adena’s senior vice president.

For current apprentices, the program’s practical application of classroom knowledge has proven valuable, providing context for their daily work.

“You don’t always do the same thing everyday. You may be working on something that was taught in the classroom three months ago, and you’ll pick up on the little things that you remember from that previous class, and speed up the process of doing your work,” Ethan Wallace, a second year carpentry apprentice said.

Following its successful first year, Adena will welcome 18 apprentices in January, including both first and second-year carpenter apprentices and its first cohort of ironworkers.

“The apprenticeship program has been helpful in building my technical understanding,” said Wyatt Darling, a second-year carpentry apprentice. 

“It’s not just about hands-on skills like installing door hardware; it’s also about learning the science behind construction—how and why buildings are designed and built the way they are.”

Adena’s ironworkers are very diverse and highly skilled, just like their carpenters.

As AISC-certified fabricators and erectors, they have contributed to numerous local projects such as the new Shelby Schools, Clear Fork Schools, Fredericktown, and Buckeye Central. They’ve also participated in projects at Cedar Point and Walt Disney World. 

“One of the standout projects that our ironworkers completed is the Orlando Eye, the largest observation wheel on the East Coast, standing at 400’+ feet tall in Orlando, Florida. Steel erection has always been a large part of what we do, but this marks the first year it’s officially part of our apprenticeship program, which we hope to grow aggressively,” Josh Darling said.

The curriculum trains carpentry apprentices in skills ranging from commercial interior framing and interior finishes to concrete form work.

“Our program equips its participants with the skills necessary to thrive in the commercial construction industry. We pride ourselves on being a career company, and like the idea of anything we can do to foster and nurture our employees career path and make themselves, and Adena, better,” Josh Darling said.

Adena, which employs more than 450 people across multiple states including Colorado and Florida, considers the apprenticeship program vital for maintaining quality standards and creating advancement opportunities.

Trent Hovis, the apprenticeship program manager who brings coaching experience to his role, has witnessed the program’s impact firsthand.

“It’s been an enjoyable process for me, running this program. I see the benefits time and time again as I teach a class or go to a different job site. You can tell who’s in the program, improving their skill sets and coming together. The first class of individuals really look out for each other and gel together,” Hovis said.

The program structure emphasizes both technical expertise and professional development. Apprentices gain experience across various project types, from small commercial renovations to major commercial construction projects, ensuring comprehensive trade knowledge.

This approach to workforce development demonstrates how construction companies can address industry-wide challenges while strengthening local communities. 

For more information about Adena Construction’s apprenticeship opportunities, click here.