BZI Brings Construction Jobs, Training and Safety Programs to Salinas, California, and Introduces Its Community Contributions Initiative

BZI® announced today that the company’s three-million-square-foot, 21,000-ton steel construction project in Salinas, California, as well as its Bakersfield permanent office, are ramping up employment and economic opportunities for the two cities and surrounding regions. The company will participate in Salinas job fairs on April 23 and May 27, 2025, to fill many additional job openings, and launched its Community Contributions Program, which the company plans to roll out across its national markets, beginning in Salinas.

New jobs have already been brought to the Salinas area through BZI’s current building project there, and BZI is in search of additional workers in the area such as welders, bolters, iron workers, deckers, safety reps, quality control inspectors, estimators and many more. For more information on career opportunities, visit bzi.com/careers and visit the BZI booth at the Monterey County Works Job Fair, 344 Salinas Street, Salinas, CA.

BZI is now completing and executing major construction projects across the United States and is recognized as a leading provider of innovative construction solutions for companies nationwide. It has been highlighted for its positive influence on the communities where it conducts business.

Salinas will now be the recipient of many benefits brought by BZI’s presence in the city. In addition to job opportunities for local citizens, the company is spending more than $400,000/month on employee housing related to the project. Many local restaurants, food trucks, suppliers, and other vendors, who serve the construction job site, are also seeing a major uptick in their businesses.

“BZI strives to make a positive impact in all communities where we live and operate. Our outstanding team members across the company maintain a responsible and uplifting culture wherever they work,” said James Barlow, BZI CEO. “They not only bring quality to their job sites, but our team members’ presence and economic infusions ripple positively across the areas where we do business. These types of contributions represent important company values and are byproducts of our core operations. We are committed to continuing these positive impacts throughout all of our markets across the country.”

“BZI — Lifting Steel as We Elevate People and Communities.”

In line with the BZI’s values and mission, the company is embarking on a national Community Contributions Program and is rolling out the extensive initiative in Salinas this month.

“BZI’s core values of Trust, Respect, and Integrity guide our daily operations and decision-making,” said Megan Lamb, Community Contributions Manager and one of the many local BZI Community Advocates to support the company’s extensive community engagements. “BZI believes that supporting projects which promote education and literacy, humanitarian causes, health and wellness, and vocational development, contribute to the betterment of our communities and residents. We encourage related organizations interested in partnering with BZI to reach out to us.”

The BZI team will work in the Food Bank for Monterey County at the end of this month and will make additional announcements about its national Community Contributions Program and community partners in Salinas in the coming weeks and months.

BZI’s work culture has received numerous national awards applauding its approach to its overall environment, growth opportunities, training innovations and safety standards. In addition to benefits packages that exceed industry norms, BZI partners with the one-of-a-kind SteelTech Academy™ to provide training, certifications and continuing education to all its team members. An exclusive technical, safety, vocational, and leadership training center, the academy provides training in OSHA (10) and (30) certifications, equipment operations, fall protection, and industry-specific welding certifications. Since 2021, SteelTech Academy has issued thousands of certifications across these disciplines and consistently logs over 10,000 student contact hours annually.

As part of this expansive training curriculum, the academy also offers a Department-of-Labor-certified apprenticeship program, helping to shape relevant skills and advance careers for those wanting to pursue construction as a vocation.

Tim Gardiner, SteelTech Academy instructor and the director of its apprenticeship program, is illustrative of BZI’s commitment to its teams and people, providing opportunities to grow, prosper and excel personally and professionally. According to Gardiner, BZI provides a rich and supportive environment for team members to develop and succeed along with the growth and success of the company.

“Every one of our new hires starts with a one-to-two-week training and will receive numerous forms of resources, continuing education, mentorship and networking opportunities to make their experience at BZI what they want to make of it,” said Gardiner. “I am humbled to participate in a program that is bringing high-value opportunities and improving lives. We prepare team members for their overall vocational path, bringing skills training and guidance to last throughout their career. It’s an honor to walk with our team members throughout their journey of professional development and growth, and to witness their ongoing transformations.”

Construction is one of the most dangerous professions. Safe work sites are a key focus for BZI, and their track record shows it. The company has received awards from national construction organizations such as AISC and partners for its safety approach. Through its differentiated safety methodologies, processes, equipment and skills training, as well as ongoing monitoring and team reinforcement, the company safety numbers are beating industry standards with their TRIR number at 2.37 and EMR rating at 0.48.

As the company’s Chief Safety Officer, Jesus Cadena, who began as a decker at BZI, has created policies and procedures that minimize risk and ensure the safety of the company’s team members. He is responsible for enforcing policies and procedures, overseeing all safety protocols and developing improved safety training.

“One of the biggest and most valuable benefits we provide our team members, and their families, is a safe work environment,” said Cadena. “The highest level of safety is something our teams count on and work together to achieve. It’s not just a goal. It’s a culture.”

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250422875782/en/BZI-Brings-Construction-Jobs-Training-and-Safety-Programs-to-Salinas-California-and-Introduces-Its-Community-Contributions-Initiative