ATLANTA, July 18, 2022 – Construction Ready has partnered with Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers to expand its adult construction training program in Columbus and Albany. The 20-day adult program provides eligible participants with the training needed to gain the skills required to obtain and retain a living wage job in the construction industry. Goodwill Southern Rivers plans to bring at least eight Columbus and Albany residents to each training cohort.
Columbus classes will take place Monday, October 3rd – Friday, October 28th at Safehouse Ministries (map).
Albany classes will take place Monday, October 17th – Friday, November 11th at Goodwill on N. Slappey Blvd. (map).
For more information and to register for classes, visit Construction Ready.
The goal of the Construction Ready program is to help close the workforce skills gap. Since expanding into the Columbus region in 2021, Construction Ready has graduated 14 students placing them in jobs across western Georgia. The need for skilled workers has continued through the pandemic. Closing this skills gap and educating more people about careers in the skilled professions is Construction Ready’s primary goal.
“We are excited to partner with Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers to strengthen our efforts in Columbus and Albany,” says Construction Ready President and CEO Scott Shelar. “When we hear their success stories and see new graduates entering the construction industry, it confirms we are making a difference for so many Georgians who are looking for a new career.”
Since 2014, the Construction Ready adult education program has trained more than 1,300 workers of all ages for a successful career in construction. Successes of the program include:
- 97% job placement by end of training
- Average starting salary of $13-17/hour
- 70% of participants employed with the same company one year later
“Equipping people with the skills they need to provide for themselves has been our core mission for over 125 years,” says Jack Warden, CEO, Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers. “Partnering with Construction Ready continues our tradition of helping people change their lives through the power of work. We are excited to help individuals launch a sustainable career!”
About Construction Ready
Construction Ready works 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. The nonprofit was created almost 30 years ago and works to close the skilled workforce gap that is impacting the industry nationwide. 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.
About Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers
Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers Inc. (GoodwillSR) is one of 156 independent, community-based Goodwill nonprofits across the United States and Canada. Headquartered in Columbus, Ga. and governed by a board of directors consisting of local business and civic leaders, GoodwillSR serves 50 counties in west Georgia and east Alabama as one of the region’s top employers and by providing free career services including job coaching, training and skills classes, GED preparation and testing, along with many other services designed to connect individuals to work.
Goodwill is unlike other organizations because our primary goal is to provide individuals with the skills and job placement services they need to ensure advancement opportunities and sustainable careers for a lifetime. These programs are all made possible through the donation of gently used clothing and household goods that are sold at Goodwill retail stores. Learn more at Goodwill of the Southern Rivers.
