Fostering the Future
Duffey Southeast at the 2023 Northwest Georgia Skills Competition
At Duffey Southeast, we're dedicated to building a brighter future by investing in the next generation of construction professionals. Our commitment was on full display at the 2023 Northwest Georgia Skills Competition held in Rome, Georgia. This event provided a platform for high school students to showcase and enhance their skills in various trades, offering them a pathway to success right out of school.
Empowering Students with Essential Skills
The competition featured challenges in seven key areas: electrical, carpentry, plumbing, blueprint reading, team build, welding, and masonry. These disciplines are fundamental to the construction industry, and the students had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and training in each. As Kelly O'Neal, our Director of Safety and Lean Construction, emphasized, this is an opportunity for students to build a skillset and compete in a real-world situation.
Collaboration and Support
Events like these are a collaborative effort. Schools provide the initial training, and companies like Duffey Southeast step in to support students to further their career paths. The presence of industry professionals at the competition helps build trust and communication between teachers, students and potential employers. "When you get into a situation like this where you're face to face, you get to know these instructors, they get to know you, the trust starts to build," Kelly noted.
A Pathway to a Promising Career
Not every student plans to attend college after high school. For many, entering the workforce immediately is a priority, and the construction industry offers a viable and rewarding career path.By participating in events like the Skills Competition, students can begin their careers with a solid foundation. "If you can get them interested in construction, they can start right out of high school making good money and helping themselves and the industry," Kelly explained.
Our Responsibility and Commitment
At Duffey Southeast, we believe it is our responsibility to support and encourage these young talents. The return on this investment is invaluable, as it helps sustain and grow the construction industry by attracting fresh, enthusiastic workers. "It's more about the kids than it is anything else. The pathway is there for you; it's open for anybody. You just got to have the desire, and hopefully, what we're doing is fostering that desire a little bit," Kelly said.
A Bright Future Ahead
The time and effort we invest in these students are worthwhile when we see them succeed. We are proud to be part of an initiative that not only benefits the students but also contributes to the future of the construction industry. "I am very proud to be part of a company like Duffey Southeast. I think the future is bright because we're going to do our part, and I'm so happy to be apart of that," Kelly concluded.
Looking Forward to 2024
As we celebrate the success of the 2023 competition, we are already looking forward to the 2024 Skills Competition. We are excited to continue our partnership with local schools and industry professionals to inspire and train the next generation of construction workers. Our commitment remains steadfast, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for these talented students.By participating in and supporting events like the Northwest Georgia Skills Competition, Duffey Southeast reaffirms its commitment to fostering a culture of growth and opportunity in the construction trades. Together, we are building a stronger, more skilled workforce for the future.
