WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS
Job Brief

May 2025
Southeast Texas Works Podcast! Building Careers with Mason Construction
In the May episode of the Southeast Texas Works! podcast, we're joined by a powerhouse panel from Mason Construction, including Le Short, Vice President of Construction, Kyle Kibodeaux, Projects & Strategic Development Manager, and Butch Hart, Hydro-Excavation Manager. Together, they offer an inside look at one of Southeast Texas's most respected construction companies and their commitment to building both infrastructure and talent.

In this episode, the Mason Construction team discusses the high-demand positions they're currently hiring for—such as Hydro Excavation Operators - and the skills and mindset they value in new team members. They also provide an in-depth look at Mason's Craft Assessment and Craft Training Program, including how it works, what it's classified as, and the impact it has on workforce development.

We also explore Mason Construction's strong partnerships with Lamar University and Texas A&M University, which offer students valuable real-world internship e xperiences and open the door to long-term careers in construction. The team emphasizes how hands-on opportunities help students connect their education to future employment in the field.

The importance of reaching youth as early as elementary school to spark interest in construction careers is also discussed. Mason Construction shares how early exposure is a critical part of raising awareness and building a future pipeline of skilled workers.

Listeners will also hear about career pathways within Mason Construction—from entry-level laborers to leadership roles—and how their collaboration with organizations like Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) strengthens training and recruitment efforts. Finally, the team shares why supporting events like the Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas Youth Career Expo is such an essential part of their mission to invest in the next generation of skilled professionals.

Whether you're a student, parent, job seeker, or workforce professional, this episode offers valuable insight into the exciting opportunities available in construction and the efforts being made to grow the local talent pipeline.

Listen now at setworks.org/podcasts or on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Stitcher.

A World-Class Competitive Workforce for Southeast Texas.