Build More Than Buildings.

Build a Career. Build a Business. Build Generational Wealth.

The Watson-Batts School of Construction is an executive contractor and subcontractor development program designed to help construction businesses grow, strengthen operations, expand professional networks, earn industry credentials, and compete for institutional and healthcare construction opportunities.

→An Exclusive 8-Week Contractor Development Experience

→Estimated Value: $10,000+

→Offered at No Cost to Qualified Participants Through Our Institutional Partners

Now Enrolling!

Applications are currently being accepted for the following Contractor Development Cohorts:

  • New Haven – New Haven, CT

  • Hartford – Hartford, CT

  • Lehigh Valley Cohort – Allentown, PA

  • Philadelphia Cohort – Philadelphia, PA

  • Harrisburg Cohort – Harrisburg, PA

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

A $10,000+ Professional Development Experience

Offered at No Cost to Qualified Applicants.

In addition to 8 Weeks of Executive-Level Contractor Development, participants receive:

  • Business Growth Strategies

  • Estimating & Proposal Development

  • OSHA Preparation

  • Licensing Readiness

  • Construction Business Operations

  • Financial Management

  • Healthcare Construction Readiness

  • Procurement & Compliance Training

  • Executive Mentorship

  • Small Group Business Coaching

  • Peer Learning

  • Exclusive Meet the Owner Events

  • Networking with Healthcare Systems

  • Networking with General Contractors

  • Networking Skills

  • Networking with Industry Leaders

  • Introductions to Project Owners

  • Introductions to Industry Partners

  • Contractor Capacity Building

  • Graduation Certificate

  • Lifetime Alumni Network

What Success Looks Like

Participants may benefit from:

  • Businesses connected to bid opportunities

  • Contractors increasing annual revenue

  • Subcontractors introduced to healthcare construction

  • Stronger business systems

  • Expanded professional networks

  • Increased competitiveness

  • Access to future subcontracting opportunities

  • Long-term mentorship relationships

Why Watson-Batts Is Different:

Traditional Construction Training

  • Learn a trade

  • Classroom instruction

  • Individual skill building

  • Limited networking

  • Graduation

  • Workforce preparation

Watson-Batts School of Construction

  • Build a business

  • Executive contractor development

  • Company growth

  • Direct access to owners and industry leaders

  • Long-term alumni network

  • Contractor and subcontractor development ecosystem

Ideal Participants

This program is designed for:

  • Licensed Contractors

  • Emerging Subcontractors

  • Skilled Trades Professionals

  • Minority-Owned Businesses

  • Women-Owned Businesses

  • Veteran-Owned Businesses

  • Construction Entrepreneurs

  • Existing Construction Companies

  • Business Owners Ready to Scale

  • Companies Interested in Healthcare Construction

Meet Our Leadership

Visionary leaders committed to integrity, innovation, and inclusivity in construction.

Ivan Watson

Founder and C.E.O.,

The Watson Organization

Founder of The Watson Organization, expanding opportunity in Mid-Atlantic construction. MBE/DBE certified. Goldman Sachs 10KSB alumnus.

Dr. Hasshan Batts

Co-Founder, Watson-Batts School of Construction

Builds the community conditions that improve health, opportunity, economic mobility, and quality of life through cross-sector partnerships and systems change.

Jonathan Watson

Co-Founder & VP of Operations,

The Watson Organization

Co-founder of WBSC and strategic operations leader, Jonathan brings expertise in systems engineering and construction excellence to the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this program designed for?

This program is designed for tradespeople, emerging contractors, and workforce-ready individuals — particularly those from disadvantaged and minority communities — who want to build skills, grow a business, or access subcontracting opportunities in the construction industry.

Is this program free?

Please contact us directly for information about program costs, scholarships, and financial assistance options. Our goal is to make this program accessible to all qualified applicants.

Where does the program take place?

The Watson-Batts School of Construction offers in-person cohorts in communities across the country, along with virtual learning opportunities. Program locations vary by cohort and are announced as new partnerships are launched.

How long is the program?

The program consists of eight instructor-led sessions combining construction industry knowledge, contractor readiness, business development, networking, and practical tools to help participants advance their careers or grow their businesses.

Do I need prior construction experience to apply?

No prior experience is required. We welcome applicants at all experience levels — from those just entering the trades to seasoned contractors looking to grow their business.

What happens after I submit my application?

You will receive a confirmation email and text message shortly after submitting. A member of the WBSC team will follow up to schedule an intake interview and walk you through next steps.

How do I know if I've been accepted?

Accepted applicants will be notified directly by the WBSC team following their intake interview. We review all applications carefully and aim to respond within two weeks.

Choose Your Preferred Cohort

New Haven Cohort

New Haven, CT

NOW ACCEPTING

Hartford Cohort

Hartford, CT

NOW ACCEPTING

Lehigh Valley Cohort

Allentown, PA

NOW ACCEPTING

Philadelphia Cohort

Philadelphia, PA

NOW ACCEPTING

Harrisburg Cohort

Harrisburg, PA

NOW ACCEPTING

Apply to your preferred cohort!

Take the first step toward building your future. Complete the application below and a member of the WBSC team will be in touch within 48 hours.

Complete the application to be considered for your selected Cohort.

  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

  • Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview and discuss eligibility.