WORKPLACE
Peach State Initiative ` Construction Education Foundation of Georgia rebrands with new name and expansion beyond the state
The recent passage of the $1 trillion “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” is expected to dramatically increase the already strong demand for skilled workers in the construction industry. The Construction Education Foundation of Georgia (CEFGA) recently said it is expanding its work beyond Georgia, enhancing its services and changing its name to “Construction Ready.” The organization, created almost 30 years ago to build opportunities for Georgians in construction and the skilled trades, works to close the skilled workforce gap that is impacting the industry nationwide. The change to “Construction Ready” comes as the organization launches new programs in Jacksonville, Florida. “Construction Ready will continue to work with high school students, parents, employers, teachers, counselors and partners
62
to strengthen the youth workforce and address the immediate needs of the skilled labor market,” says Construction Ready President and CEO Scott Shelar.
COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATION — ISSUE 2, 2022
Expanding Beyond Georgia
The nonprofit organization is expanding beyond Georgia to fill open jobs across the nation. According to the US Chamber of Commerce's quarterly construction report, nationwide 92% of contractors say they have had “moderate to high levels of difficulty” finding skilled workers. The report, released in September 2021, says 93% of contractors expect the construction labor shortage to remain the same or get worse in the next six months.