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. This week the Construction Education Foundation of Georgia (CEFGA) announced 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, FL. 

“Construction Ready will continue to work with high school students, parents, employers, teachers, counselors, and partners to strengthen the youth workforce and address the immediate needs of the skilled labor market,” says Construction Ready President and CEO Scott Shelar.

Expanding Beyond Georgia

The nonprofit organization is expanding beyond Georgia to fill open jobs across the nation. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's quarterly construction report, nationwide 92 percent of contractors say they have had “moderate to high levels of difficulty” finding skilled workers. The report, released in September of 2021, says 93 percent of contractors expect the construction labor shortage to remain the same or get worse in the next six months. 

In March 2022, Construction Ready will partner with the Jacksonville Jaguars to launch a class in downtown Jacksonville, Florida, the first outside of Georgia. The 20-day training session will prepare a group of Jacksonville area residents interested in working as skilled professionals for a career in construction and the skilled trades. Construction Ready will partner with Jacksonville companies to match every graduate with a potential employer once they complete the program.  

In 2019, the state of Georgia needed an additional 61,000 workers to fill skilled worker positions across the state. The shortage has continued through the pandemic and will remain an issue as America begins projects tied to the infrastructure bill. Closing this skills gap by educating more students and young adults about careers in the skilled professions is Construction Ready’s primary goal.  

Construction Ready Programs Start in Kindergarten

Construction Ready will focus on two primary groups, the K12 audience and adult training programs. 

• The kindergarten through 12th grade (K12) program works with more than 180 skilled trade construction and metals programs to produce graduates who are ready to work. 

• Working with state Departments of Education, employers, trade associations and philanthropic organizations, Construction Ready seeks to elevate and expand our skilled trade programs in our public school systems and empower students to build and create from elementary through high school. 

• Construction Ready’s adult training program is a four-week boot camp style training program designed for those age 18 and older looking for a career change. Since 2014, the program has trained and placed more than 1,200 graduates into full-time, living wage careers with construction companies throughout Georgia. 

The new branding allows easy expansion into other states, delivering the mission message, getting people ready for productive, life-long careers in the skilled trades.

“For those looking for a career in our industry, we’ll show them the great paying career pathways that exist, the opportunity to secure professional credentials, and to learn real-world skills that will always be in demand,” says Shelar. “Add to that the chance for a stable career, no student loan debt, and the experience to succeed and grow at your company.”

For companies in the industry, this expansion will create greater partnership opportunities for companies to work with Construction Ready. New technology will improve communication between partners, students, and teachers. Expansion of the K12 pipeline will better “seed” young people about career opportunities. 

Feeder programs at elementary and middle schools will also expand. These STEM and STEAM initiatives help students apply academics while learning safety with tools, how to build, and other skills related to the trades.

Those interested in being a part of Construction Ready can be a part of its K12 programs, Little Builders, CareerExpo, and adult training programs. More information is available at www.constructionready.org.