New Partnership with SSC Underground

NASHVILLE, TN - SSC Underground of Phoenix, Arizona, joins BuildWitt to help solve the workforce issues the construction industry is facing. With a dwindling recruiting pool, companies can’t keep crews fully staffed to meet demands, and the problem is only growing with time.

The two companies will combine their resources to raise awareness about the issue and help companies access solutions to meet their specific needs.

SSC Underground is a 53-year-old trenchless technology and vacuum excavating company. They install steel casing under existing infrastructure and support underground construction projects by locating, exposing, and mapping existing infrastructure. The company’s Trenchless Constructability and Design arm works with engineers and general contractors to design utility projects using trenchless technology. 

The family-owned and operated company’s passion for underground construction is embodied in its I AM SSC logo, which serves as an acronym for its core values:

• Integrity
• Attitude
• Mutual respect
• Safe
• Smart
• Committed to excellence

“SSC’s mission is to ‘To be the leader in underground construction, provide meaningful employment, and promote positive community impact.’ The Dirt World is our community, so if we can all work together to enhance the industry, we all win. And we increase our impact of meaningful employment to our team by adding to their training and development opportunities,” says Michelle Walker, Vice President of Operations of SSC Underground.

Since 2018, BuildWitt has been addressing common workforce problems by providing media and marketing services to companies in the Dirt World (i.e., infrastructure, earthmoving, utilities, site work, demolition, mining, materials, heavy equipment dealers, and supporting vendors). In 2022, BuildWitt launched a training platform with over 400 microlessons. The company’s next step is establishing partnerships with other organizations driven by the same mission.

According to BuildWitt President Dan Briscoe, “SSC is one of the top 1% of contractors that is an expert in trenchless technology and that provides a great life for their employees. With leaders like Michelle, SSC isn't afraid to try new things or tackle tough issues, like the impact of mental health on their team. We’re excited to bring their expertise and lessons learned about underground construction and how to take care of people to the BuildWitt community.”

BuildWitt has identified six primary causes for the workforce shortage: aging workforce, individuals choosing college instead of trades, record demand for infrastructure, fierce competition for workers from other industries, poor perception of blue-collar work, and different mindsets and desires among today’s younger generation.

The company will strategize with each new partnership to address one or more of the specific root causes of the workforce shortage.

“We don’t claim to have all the answers or solutions. What’s missing isn’t an effort or intent to solve the workforce problem—instead, it’s a cohesive effort,” says Aaron Witt, CEO of BuildWitt.

Learn more about what it takes to become a BuildWitt Partner.