Building for the future

Learn. Explore. Pursue. The strategy is as strategic as it is simple. Construction Ready, the not-for-profit organization focused on building a skilled construction workforce, held its annual CareerExpo in March at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta (see "Welcome to the Show, page 18").

Just how much interest is there for the construction industry from the next generation? Try more than 7,000 students from across Georgia. As one of the state’s largest youth workforce development events, the Expo sits at the heart of the Construction Ready. The group came together after leading construction industry leaders recognized a need for quality construction skills training in Georgia.

And there is no question—in Georgia and across the country—that the need for skilled workers in our industry remains high. In what is the ultimate networking event for our next generation of workers, students met with industry professionals, trade association representatives and educators from scores of organizations across the state.

Students were privy to hands-on displays that gave students the opportunity to work with industry leaders, equipment and materials. The sights. The sounds. The passion. Everything is on display at events like this—one that shows the promise the future holds.

And students are not the only believers. Some of the names on hand included The Home Depot, Georgia Power, Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Georgia and the Technical College System of Georgia.

Construction Ready complements groups like YouthBuild, a community-based pre-apprenticeship program that provides job training and educational opportunities for at-risk youth ages 16-24 who have previously dropped out of high school.

Administered by the Office of Workforce Investment's Division of Youth Services, YouthBuild serves more than 5,000 youth in approximately 175 YouthBuild programs in more than 40 states. The programs teach youth vocational skills in construction, as well as in other in-demand industries including health care, information technology, and hospitality.

In a time when finding skilled labor employees is a real challenge for companies everywhere, engaging with young people with an interest in what we do is a godsend. Scores of industry companies are holding similar events on their own.

That said, we want to continue to spotlight these programs, so if you are doing anything related to helping build the next generation, reach out to us. Send a note. Share photos. Help spread the word.

On your mark, get set, teach...