Georgia CareerExpo Introduces More Than 7,000 Students to the Skilled Trades

Run by Construction Ready, a nonprofit organization that helps train people for entry-level construction jobs, Georgia's CareerExpo event in Atlanta drew over 7,000 students of all ages, the largest youth workforce development event for construction in the state, Construction Dive reports.

Industry professionals from more than 300 Georgia companies participated to talk about their organizations and about career paths in the trades. Dozens of colleges and universities were also in attendance to talk to students about programs focused on architecture, construction, government administration, public safety, transportation, and more.

[Scott] Shelar said several of the students who compete quickly find employment; this year 469 competitors entered 24 different contests. Barnett interviewed with a local cabinetmaker last week. Nonetheless, the expo is just one major step Construction Ready uses to raise awareness of the career path the trades offer.

“Remember that there’s no one thing that will convince a young person that ‘Oh this is what I need to do,’” Shelar told Construction Dive. 

As a result, he advised local contractors to get in touch with local career technical instructors, likening contractors to a college football coach.

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