Fluor’s industrial construction development program
A partnership between Fluor, Eli Lilly and Company and Purdue University is supporting the next generation of construction engineers and opening the door to potential employment in Lebanon and beyond.
Through Fluor’s industrial construction development program (ICDP), Purdue junior and senior construction management students have the opportunity to assist Lebanon Project field engineers and superintendents, while gaining knowledge and exposure to the many different roles on site.
“It’s an educational partnership that just makes sense,” said Construction Director (and 1998 Purdue construction management graduate) Todd Dando. “Fluor has worked with Lilly for more than 20 years on more than 50 projects around the globe. Lilly’s long- time relationship with Purdue and strong commitment to its educational programs made this a natural fit for the Lebanon Project site. We are grateful for their support of this program.”
The program is a win for all involved. Graduates tout hands-on experience at one of the largest construction sites in Indiana. In turn, Fluor and Lilly have a potential set of new hires trained and already familiar with the Lebanon job site.
The program started in August 2023. Every semester up to eight students are selected. Students must be enrolled and pursuing a degree in construction management and able to meet work schedule requirements. Upon completion of the first level of the program, students have the option of continuing on to level two, which allows for more extensive training in a specific area of the project.
Fluor Director of Construction Support and Manager of the LP1 Intern Program Erin Tang knows the benefits of internships. Tang, who grew up in Indiana, is a Purdue construction management graduate whose own internship with Fluor turned into full-time employment more than 18 years ago. She says the constantly evolving Lebanon project site provides a variety of valuable experiences for students.
“When we first began the program in August 2023, the project was mostly dirt work and underground utilities,” Tang said. “Since then, the landscape has changed considerably. Our 2024 fall interns saw a different version of the job site with some major structural steel work.”
For recent intern-turned-new-hire Andrew Feuerstine, the intern program was a great opportunity to develop his skills while working on a project close to home. “I grew up in Fishers and I was excited for the opportunity to work on a significant project in the Indianapolis area,” he said. “Often when you graduate, you have to move away to gain the experience you need. I want to stay in Indiana and am excited to work on a project that is helping develop Boone County into a destination for more recent graduates like myself.”
To date, eight former ICDP interns have been hired full time by Fluor. In addition, two current interns have accepted offers to join the staff when they graduate in May.
“It has been great to work with so many young people with fantastic attitudes and love for construction,” Tang said. “I’m excited to see the great things they do.”
