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Full Summary


Executive Summary: Proposed NUCA National Pre-Apprenticeship Partnership

Objective Establish a scalable, zero-capital-cost (to NUCA) national pre-apprenticeship program branded “NUCA Future Operators Pre-Apprenticeship” that delivers NCCER-certified training in high-demand entry-level equipment operation (Skid Steer, Rough Terrain Forklift, Scissor Lift) to public high school and community college students across the 26 states where NUCA has chapters.

Core Partners & Their Unique Contributions

  1. NUCA (National + 35 chapters) – Provides brand, contractor network, chapter infrastructure, existing NCCER partnership, and hiring pipeline.
  2. Donald R. Callaway / Caillouet Foundation Inc. (501(c)(3)) – NCCER Master Trainer with 25+ years of experience; sponsors every participating school as an NCCER Accredited Training Sponsor at no cost, trains instructors, develops curriculum, and holds title to all donated equipment.
  3. Purple Wave – Primary source of donated or low/no-cost late-model equipment (existing relationship with Callaway; encouraged creation of the Foundation).
  4. Copart – Secondary source of salvage-title equipment that can be repaired for training purposes and additional corporate giving support.

Program Model

  • Target: Public high school CTE and community/junior college students (16–24)
  • Credentials: NCCER Core + performance-verified Skid Steer, Rough Terrain Forklift, and Scissor Lift
  • Delivery: 50% online theory (via Caillouet portal) + 50% hands-on at schools or regional hubs
  • Equipment: All machines donated, titled to Caillouet Foundation, and loaned/shared regionally
  • Outcome: Graduates receive nationally portable credentials and priority interviews/hiring with NUCA member contractors

Scale & Rollout Potential (26 states)

  • ≈1,900 viable high school/community college programs identified
  • Phase 1 (2026–2027) target: 400 active programs
  • Priority launch states: Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Missouri (pilot), followed by rapid expansion to the remaining 22 states

Timeline (18–24 months to critical mass)

  • Q1 2026: Sign MOU/LOI with all four partners
  • Q1–Q2 2026: 4-state pilot (40 schools)
  • 2026: Regional instructor bootcamps, 75–100 equipment units placed, online portal live
  • 2027: Full rollout to 400+ programs

Projected Conservative Outcomes

  • Year 1 (2026): 2,500–3,500 credentialed students, 75–100 machines placed
  • Year 2 (2027): 8,000–10,000 students, 250+ machines, 800+ NUCA member companies with direct recruiting access
  • Estimated annual labor pipeline value to industry: $110–150 M (2026) → $350–450 M (2027)

Financial Impact on NUCA Virtually zero direct capital outlay. Callaway/Caillouet Foundation covers all NCCER sponsorship and instructor training costs; Purple Wave and Copart donate equipment. NUCA contributes only branding, chapter coordination, and staff time.

Next Steps

  1. NUCA leadership (CEO or Workforce Chair) + George Hamilton contact Donald R. Callaway directly.
  2. Schedule introductory 4-way call (NUCA + Callaway + Purple Wave exec + Copart giving team).
  3. Execute simple Letter of Intent committing to a 4-state 2026 pilot.

Strategic Outcome Within 24–36 months, this partnership positions NUCA as the clear national leader in underground utility and excavation workforce development while delivering a high-volume, high-quality talent pipeline to its 1,800+ member companies at essentially no cost.