Chip Mansfield

In a world where college debt can leave graduates burdened for years, there’s a compelling alternative for those who value hands-on skills, stable income, and long-term career growth: the trade apprenticeship programs and Associate degree offered by UA Local 290 College of Mechanical Systems & Technology (COMSAT). Here, students “earn while they learn,” gaining real-world experience, wages, and industry-recognized credentials — all without accumulating massive student loans.

Even as industry demand rises — with more job opportunities than ever for qualified construction managers — Dr. Kovel articulated thoughtful caution: growth is valuable only if academic quality and personal mentorship remain intact.

At NAU, the Construction Management program is housed within the Steve Sanghi College of Engineering, Informatics, and Applied Sciences, under the Department of Civil Engineering, Construction Management, and Environmental Engineering. The degree prepares students to become leaders in the construction industry — professionals who understand not just how to build, but how to plan, manage, and deliver complex projects safely and efficiently.