EllisDon's STEPS to Construction program serves as a cornerstone of our strategy to address the growing demand for skilled trades people. Through this initiative, high school students are paired with site leaders, providing them with valuable, hands-on experience and an in-depth understanding of career opportunities within the construction industry.

To celebrate this year’s Skilled Trades Day, we’re flipping the script and shedding light on a mentor on the EllisDon team. 

Sulosan Nitkunanandan, Senior Site Superintendent, EllisDon, serves as a mentor with the program and describes it as a privilege to introduce young individuals to the construction industry.

“We work primarily with college students,” said Nitkunanandan. “High school students are different. We do a lot more hands-on work with them—a little less theory—and it’s incredibly impactful. As a mentor, you have to tailor your approach to each person, and it really challenges you to think about how you do your job.”

Nitkunanandan views mentoring as a mutually beneficial process, a leadership role encouraged by EllisDon’s culture and commitment to building for the future. Guiding someone else requires a deeper understanding of both the role and the worksite, which, in turn, has enhanced his own skills and made him more effective in his job. 

“Helping young people grow in the industry really helps me understand my role better and be better at my job,” said Nitkunanandan. “There’s a sense of accomplishment – it’s not just about the building, the budget, the schedule, it’s about helping the future of construction.”

Nitkunanandan adds that the program brings a sense of enjoyment to his work, as each day offers something new—a fresh challenge to tackle. Every student comes with unique interests, and he sees it as his responsibility to guide them toward discovering their passions. He believes the program plays a vital role in exposing students to the diverse career paths within the construction industry and connecting them to meaningful opportunities.

Programs like STEPS to Construction are central to EllisDon’s efforts to meet the increasing demand for skilled tradespeople. Leaders like Nitkunanandan play a vital role in guiding the next generation, introducing them to the skills and career opportunities that define the industry, and helping ensure we are prepared to build bigger and better for the future.