Granite Wins Fifth Consecutive Early Talent Award from Handshake
Granite has been honored with Handshake’s prestigious Early Talent Award (ETA) for the fifth consecutive year. This annual award celebrates organizations that excel in attracting, engaging, and supporting early-career professionals. With over 900,000 employers using Handshake’s platform, Granite stands out as a leader in fostering opportunities for young talent within the construction industry.
Recognizing Excellence in Early Talent Development
Handshake’s Early Talent Award highlights companies that demonstrate excellence in several key areas, including:
- Brand Resonance – Employers that establish a strong, recognizable presence among students and early-career professionals.
- Effective Engagement – Measured by the number of unique clicks per message recipient, indicating genuine interest in employer outreach.
- Active Participation – Employers that consistently engage in career fairs, networking events, and other recruitment initiatives.
- Strong Student Relationships – Organizations that maintain meaningful, reciprocal connections with students, ensuring a dynamic and supportive recruitment process.
These criteria emphasize the shifting landscape of talent acquisition, where traditional hiring models are evolving to prioritize authentic engagement and long-term relationship-building with the workforce of the future.
A Commitment to Career Development
Granite’s continuous recognition as a top employer for early talent underscores its unwavering commitment to fostering professional growth and career development. The company actively invests in programs designed to attract and nurture young professionals, providing them with opportunities to build skills, gain experience, and establish successful careers within the construction industry.
“We are delighted to receive this award and to continue fostering a program that early talent finds engaging and top-notch,” said Jessica Somers, Granite’s Director of Talent Acquisition. “This recognition underscores our dedication to supporting those at the start of their careers and ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to succeed.”
Tim Gruber, Granite’s Senior Vice President of Human Resources, echoed these sentiments. “It’s inspiring to be recognized by Handshake for the fifth consecutive year. Our team’s tireless efforts in college recruitment have created a best-in-class program, fostering a more rounded and talented workforce. This award reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in the next generation of industry leaders.”
How Granite Stands Out
Granite differentiates itself through a strategic approach to recruitment and talent development. Key aspects of its early-career engagement efforts include:
- Robust Internship Programs – Offering hands-on experience that allows students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world construction settings.
- Strong University Partnerships – Collaborating with colleges and universities to create pathways for students into the construction industry.
- Mentorship and Career Guidance – Providing support, training, and career development resources to ensure young professionals can grow within the company.
- Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives – Actively working to create an inclusive work environment that welcomes talent from all backgrounds.
Granite’s approach aligns with Handshake’s mission of democratizing access to career opportunities, ensuring that young professionals from diverse educational and professional backgrounds have equal access to meaningful career pathways.
The Broader Impact on the Construction Industry
Granite’s recognition by Handshake is not only a testament to its commitment to early talent but also highlights its broader impact on the construction industry. As one of the largest diversified construction and construction materials companies in the United States, Granite plays a critical role in shaping the future workforce.
By prioritizing early-career development, Granite helps bridge the skills gap in the construction sector, ensuring that the next generation of professionals is well-equipped to meet industry demands. The company’s efforts contribute to a more dynamic, skilled, and innovative workforce, ultimately benefiting both the industry and the communities it serves.
About Handshake
Handshake is a leading career platform dedicated to connecting students and early-career professionals with top employers. Its mission is to democratize access to career opportunities, ensuring that individuals can start or accelerate their careers without relying on traditional networking advantages.
With a community that includes over 15 million students and young alumni from more than 1,500 educational institutions—including four-year colleges, community colleges, boot camps, and over 300 minority-serving institutions—Handshake serves as a vital link between emerging talent and 900,000+ employers. These employers range from Fortune 500 companies to nonprofit organizations, public school districts, and healthcare systems.
About Granite
Granite is America’s Infrastructure Company™. Founded in 1922 and publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: GVA), the company is a leading diversified construction and construction materials provider. As a full-suite civil construction company, Granite specializes in heavy civil infrastructure projects, transportation, and complex industrial projects that support sustainable growth.
The company operates with a strong Code of Conduct and Core Values that guide its commitment to ethical business practices, environmental responsibility, and employee safety. Granite is recognized as an industry leader in workplace safety, quality, and sustainability.
With a focus on innovation and continuous improvement, Granite remains dedicated to developing the next generation of industry professionals, ensuring a strong and sustainable future for construction and infrastructure development.
