Purdue students in Indianapolis will gain the skills to be the future leaders of the construction industry. Photo by Purdue University, John O’Malley.

Press Release

INDIANAPOLIS — Purdue University will formally launch a reimagined construction management technology program in Indianapolis.

Offered out of the Purdue Polytechnic Institute, the program will help Purdue students in Indianapolis gain the skills to be leaders in the fast-paced, high-tech construction world. Students will learn how to successfully manage construction projects, from conceptual budgets to day-to-day operations to project turnover and completion, gaining the critical knowledge and training required to accelerate the growth of the industry — right in the heart of Indianapolis.

“At Purdue Polytechnic, our goal is to develop industry-ready graduates who are equipped to tackle real-world challenges,” said Daniel Castro, Purdue Polytechnic dean. “This reimagined construction management technology program in Indianapolis, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, reflects our commitment to providing students with a rigorous curriculum that equips them to solve problems, improve processes and become thought leaders.”

Capitalizing on the proximity to companies and industry leaders in Indianapolis, the construction management technology program is aiming to become one of the first of its kind to offer a registered apprenticeship in construction management.

Purdue students in Indianapolis, and those who will be making the trek from West Lafayette, would be able to “earn and learn” by collecting a wage while being supervised, trained and mentored as apprentices by Indiana-based companies. Plans also include potentially offering pre-apprenticeship programs in central Indiana high schools, creating pathways to advanced placement into the program for prospective students.

Focused on the leadership aspect of the industry, the construction management technology program in Indianapolis will generate a job-ready workforce of superintendents, project managers, site organizers, and health and safety officials, among many other professional roles.

“From listening to construction industry leaders throughout the city, we knew that there was an urgent need for skilled workers in this particular area,” said David Umulis, senior vice provost Purdue University for Indianapolis.

He continued, “The reimagined construction management technology program underlines the core objective of our urban expansion in Indianapolis — to establish connections and opportunities for Purdue students in high-demand career fields while creating a direct pipeline of Boilermaker talent for employers in central Indiana.”

The program in Indianapolis will officially be relaunched in the fall for transitioning current construction management technology students, with the first full freshman class entering the program in the 2026-27 academic year.

Companies interested in exploring internship and co-op opportunities with Purdue students can contact Marcus Rogers, interim head of the School of Construction Management Technology, at [email protected].