The Need to Think ‘Outside of the Box’ for Workforce Development
Partnering together, Duffey Southeast and The Associated General Contractors of Georgia hosted construction students from 14-area high schools for the Northwest Georgia Workforce Development Alliance Skills Challenge. The event competitions were held Nov. 1, at the Polk County College and Career Academy, in our hometown of Cedartown, Georgia. The event was one of seven regional event competitions held throughout the state.
Over 20 students participated in the carpentry section of the Skills Challenge. They were tasked with framing a wall with a window and floor within a narrow time frame. At the end of the competition, they were given scores by judges based on their use of tools, safety, assembly according to plans, percent complete, wall framing, and squareness.
The challenge served to not only teach the students about how rewarding construction is but also the difficulties faced in the field. They experienced everyday challenges like nails bending and strict time constraints, but it gave them an opportunity to learn valuable skills, overcome the challenges, and put together quality work.
It’s no secret that the construction industry is running short on tradesmen as the workforce ages and it’s vital to get the youth interested in the trades again. John Lee, Project Manager at Duffey Southeast, judged the carpentry competition and stated, “it’s great that Duffey is involved in this. They have a presence here and it makes a difference to these young people that an organization cares enough to help them and show them and teach them.” The goal of Duffey Southeast and The Associated General Contractors of Georgia is to inspire, educate, and guide them to the opportunities available within the construction industry.
