It’s good because you learn so much

Posted: June 23, 2017
Last modified: December 26, 2018

Chris Copeland
Core Competency Training Program
Resides: Maitland

Chris Copeland is learning multiple sides of civil engineering through each rotation of the Skanska Core Competency Training Program (CCTP) — one of several on-the-job training programs offered by Skanska.

The Skanska CCTP includes several rotations with SGL, the I-4 Ultimate joint venture partnership of Skanska, Granite and Lane. They include estimating, field engineering, environmental health and safety, project controls, assistant superintendent, and a “wild card” assignment among others. Copeland is currently in the environmental health and safety rotation.

Despite the fast pace, he enjoys the challenge. “It’s good because you learn so much,” he said. “You get to network and meet new people.”

In high school, Copeland took technical drawing and computer-aided design and drafting classes. But he said he was always a fan of Legos and building things. He got the idea of becoming a civil engineer from his older brother, who also wanted to be one. He chose to go to Virginia Military Institute because they offered civil engineering and a full athletic scholarship in football. “I kind of knew what I wanted to do, and I just made it happen,” he said.

Before joining the I-4 Ultimate project, Copeland worked at the Skanska office in Virginia Beach and started out as an estimator for the Pensacola Bay Bridge project. He wanted to be a part of the I-4 Ultimate project because of its scale. “I was excited when they said that I get to come here for a long period of time,” Copeland said. “I knew it was going to be a pretty significant project for us. Just from the size of it and that they want it to be a signature corridor.”