Approved DOW SkillBridge Industry Partner

DOW SkillBridge Training Programs

Slusarski Excavating & Paving Inc.

Hands-on training for transitioning military service members entering careers in heavy civil construction.

About Slusarski Excavating & Paving

We've been taking projects from concept to completion since 1982. Today, Slusarski is a full-service heavy civil contractor based in Adrian, Michigan, with nearly 50 employees, an in-house registered professional engineer, and the equipment to handle projects of any size across Lenawee, Jackson, Washtenaw, Monroe, and Hillsdale counties.

Our work covers the full sitework scope: earthwork, underground utilities, asphalt paving, materials, and construction management. We serve commercial and municipal clients throughout Southeast Michigan and we get it done right, the first time.

We've always believed that the discipline and leadership military service develops are exactly what construction needs. Our SkillBridge program puts that belief into action.

1982 Founded
50+ Employees
120 Day Program

About the SkillBridge Program

SkillBridge lets you use up to the last 180 days of active duty to train with a civilian employer while keeping your military pay and benefits. Our program runs 120 days and puts you to work on real job sites alongside our field crews from day one.

Field-Based Training

You work on active job sites from the start. No classroom-only instruction.
Leadership Development

Leadership training is built into every phase, not tacked on at the end.
120-Day Structure

A structured program with clear milestones and experienced mentors throughout.
Path to Employment

Our goal is to bring you on full-time when the program ends.

What You'll Learn

You'll get hands-on experience across the full range of heavy civil construction work, including:

Site development and earthwork operations, including grading, excavation, and mass earth movement
Underground utility installation, including sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and watermain systems
OSHA and MIOSHA safety standards and compliance practices
Blueprint reading and construction layout
Construction technology, including Trimble GPS and laser systems
Production tracking and field coordination
Leadership and crew management skills applicable across all field roles

Available Training Positions

We're accepting participants for the following roles. Each one comes with hands-on training and a clear path forward.

A structured leadership development opportunity designed to prepare transitioning military service members for future construction management careers in the heavy civil construction industry. Participants train alongside experienced Superintendents, Foremen, and Project Leaders while gaining practical experience in commercial site development, underground utilities, earthwork operations, project coordination, safety management, and field leadership.

View full position description →

Career Path

Asst. Superintendent → Superintendent → Project Manager → Operations Leadership

Program Location

Training takes place in Michigan, serving the Lenawee County and Southeast Michigan region. You'll work on active job sites and in company facilities throughout the program.

You'll need to be available in the region for the full duration of training. Questions about relocation can be discussed during the application process.

Lenawee Co. Primary Region
SE Michigan Service Area

Slusarski job site in Southeast Michigan

Who Should Apply

If you're separating from the military and ready to get to work, we want to hear from you. Here's who this program is built for:

Currently serving on active duty with a transition date within the next 180 days
Leadership background preferred, including NCO, petty officer, or commissioned officer experience
Prior construction experience is a plus but is not required for all positions
Strong work ethic, discipline, and commitment to team performance
Comfortable working outdoors in a physically demanding environment

If you have led teams under pressure, managed logistics in the field, or operated heavy equipment in a military context, you are likely a strong fit. We will teach you the construction specifics. You bring the foundation.

Employment Outcome

Our goal is to bring you on full-time when the program ends. Depending on your track and performance, that could mean a role as a Superintendent, Foreman, Project Manager, or in Operations. Offers depend on performance and business needs at the time of completion.

Per DOW SkillBridge policy, completing the program does not guarantee a job offer. That said, our intent from day one is to set you up for a full-time role on our team.

Contact Our SkillBridge Program

Ready to get started? Reach out to our SkillBridge coordinator with questions or to discuss available positions.

Approved DOW SkillBridge Industry Partner

Brian Slusarski

SkillBridge Program Coordinator

(517) 403-7140

brian@slusarski.com

Apply Now

About the DOW SkillBridge Program

DOW SkillBridge is a Department of War program that connects transitioning service members with civilian employers for job training during the last 180 days of military service. Participants continue to receive full military pay and benefits throughout the program. Per DOW SkillBridge policy, completing the program does not guarantee a job offer. That said, our intent from day one is to set you up for a full-time role on our team. To learn more about SkillBridge eligibility and the approval process, visit skillbridge.osd.mil.