Greater Atlanta HBA Introduces Middle and High School Students to the Skilled Trades
The Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (GAHBA) is teaming up with its local club in Lawrenceville, Ga., to teach middle and high schoolers about careers in construction. Every Tuesday, approximately 15 kids from the seventh to 11th grades work together on a construction project under the guidance and supervision of a professional in the field, and recently, the majority of those students went on a field trip to a Taylor Morrison development in Gwinnett County, Ga., the National Association of Home Builders reports.
With hands-on construction experience, presentations from industry pros, and a jobsite tour, GAHBA is giving these Georgia students a comprehensive introduction to the skilled trades.
“Workforce development is a long-term industry effort,” said Corey Deal, executive officer GAHBA. “We’re showing eighth graders and ninth graders what the industry looks like so hopefully they will choose it as a career.”
Overall, students, parents and Boys and Girls Club leaders are pleased with how well the inaugural program is going. GAHBA looks forward to continuing to provide quality educational opportunities.
“There is a lot of headwinds in our industry that make it a tough business to be in at times,” said Deal. “Workforce development programs like these energize the building community. You remember why it is a great industry with great people.”