Hourigan fosters a culture of professional and personal growth. From online training opportunities and industry conferences, to lunch-and-learns and mentorship, every employee has the chance to sharpen their skills and expand their knowledge. Hourigan even offers to help provide assistance to employees that have decided to go back to school in order to improve skills and promote growth professionally. By using this benefit, known as the Education Assistance Program, employees can access assistance for college courses, vocational school courses, and professional certification programs.
Marquita and Inga are two of the many employees who have utilized this beneficial tool. Find out more about how the Education Assistance Program has affected them, both professionally and personally:
What made you decide to utilize the Education Assistance Program?
Marquita: I’d been working for Hourigan for around 8 years when I decided I wanted to go back to school. I started off as a laborer, with the opportunity to grow into the roles of a foreman, equipment operator, and carpenter’s assistant as the years went on. I came to love working in the field and learning new aspects of the job. I realized that to continue my growth within the profession and ultimately the company, furthering my education was the obvious next step.
Inga: I’d wanted to expand my business knowledge, not only to help in my current role, but to aid in any future growth within the company– so I wanted to get my MBA and CPA. I couldn’t afford to do it on my own, so the Education Assistance Program has been an incredibly helpful benefit.
How has the Education Assistance Program affected you?
Marquita: Utilizing the Education Assistance Program has had a significant impact on my career, as I’ve developed an understanding of the professional side of the trade. This, combined with knowledge I obtained working in the field, has given me an advantage in communication and production both in the field and in the office. As a single mother of three boys, the Program has enabled me to further my education and career without imposing a financial strain on our day-to-day lives. It has also allowed me to show my boys that with hard work and dedication, it’s never too late to achieve your goals.
Inga: I’m better prepared to pursue other certifications and have become more confident in my expertise for my current position. I never thought that I would get my masters since I work full-time and have 2 young children, but the Program has made me a believer in myself. I’m proud of my accomplishments and greatly appreciate the support I’ve received from both my family and my colleagues.
What does having access to a benefit like Education Assistance mean to you?
Marquita: Having assistance with the costs of education gives employees the opportunity to further their education and career. Hourigan has created an environment in which employees are encouraged to continue their learning and growth. This is a testament to Hourigan’s dedication and commitment to providing informed personnel for every project we take on and/or pursue.
Inga: This program means a lot to me! I would have never been able to pursue my Master’s and CPA without the program’s help. It also shows me how much Hourigan cares for and invests in its employees. The company sees the value of personal development, believes in us, backs us up, and wants us to achieve our goals.
Final Thoughts
Marquita: One of the greatest assets of being a Hourigan employee is the ability to advance and develop skills to support continual growth. As an employer, Hourigan constantly displays their interest in each employee, and invests both independently and collectively in their advancement. This, among other things, helps to define Hourigan as one of the best-in-class and top-rated employers.
Inga: I just wish I’d participated in this program sooner. I didn’t realize how easy it was – I always doubted my ability to make the additional time commitment to complete my program. But this is just another benefit that contributes to making Hourigan a great company.
Marquita Edmonds, Diversity & Inclusion Manager
Marquita spearheads strategic partnerships with disadvantaged businesses, implementing diversity goals, and fostering inclusive work environments through community engagement and innovative outreach initiatives, embodying Hourigan's commitment to diversity as a critical business priority.
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Inga Mackereth, Corporate Insurance Manager
Inga leads our insurance and risk management. She’s been with Hourigan for over 10 years, and her knoweldge and expertise is invaluable to Hourigan.
