AT&T has contributed $150,000 to the Construction Education Foundation of Georgia (CEFGA) to support CEFGA’s “Construction Ready” program. The contribution will allow the program to expand its presence in metro Atlanta, to provide additional training and create career paths and economic empowerment opportunities for Atlantans in construction and the skilled trades.

Construction Ready takes Georgians through a 20-day construction education program that ends with training, credentialing and job placement. Since 2014, CEFGA - through the Construction Ready program - has trained more than 1,000 workers of all ages for a successful career in construction. 

CEFGA is currently running a Construction Ready session at Westside Works (runs Nov. 9 - Dec. 4) and another session begins Jan. 19, 2021 in Austell.

“I appreciate AT&T’s continuing commitment to connect more and more Georgians to educational opportunities, especially at a time when it is needed most,” said David Tzimenatos, CEFGA Board Chair. “Construction continues, even amidst the pandemic, and having workers prepared in the Construction Ready program with technical fundamentals and safety training is key to offering them an available position, which in many cases is a life-changing opportunity.”

Details of the Construction Ready program include: 

• 96% job placement for program graduates at the end of training;

• Starting salary of $12 to $15/hour for program graduates;

• 70% program graduates remain employed with same company one year later; and,

• More than 600 industry credentials for program graduates in the first year.

AT&T’s contribution to CEFGA will provide: 

• Approximately 30 scholarships for metro-Atlanta residents enrolling in the Construction Ready program; and,

• Innovative and adaptive technology solutions, enabling CEFGA to offer elements of the Construction Ready program in a virtual format amidst the global pandemic.

“At AT&T, we know everyone deserves an equal opportunity … regardless of zip code, age, gender, race or socioeconomic status. It’s simple. Our society doesn't work if it doesn't work equally for all,” said Venessa Harrison, president of AT&T Georgia. “CEFGA’s Construction Ready program offers technical skills-training and helps close the wealth gap that exists in Metro Atlanta. We are proud to collaborate with CEFGA, adapting and expanding economic empowerment opportunities that make our city and our world a better and more equitable place.”

According to the Georgia Department of Labor, construction jobs in Georgia will grow by 13.8 percent by 2026 with skilled workers needed not only in residential and commercial building projects but also repair and infrastructure work as improvements to roads and bridges persists. Monster.com shows that on any given day in Georgia there are more than 10,000 construction-related jobs available and unfilled.

“Thanks to engaged community stewards like AT&T, CEFGA is better positioned to offer our Construction Ready program in new and innovative ways to more students,” said CEFGA President and CEO Scott Shelar. “The global pandemic has presented challenges for so many, and it’s critical for us to adapt and expand programming to offer job-skilling opportunities and economic empowerment, especially now when it is needed most.”

AT&T is passionate about the strength and success of Atlanta, and through Believe Atlanta^SM, is collaborating with community leaders to provide economic empowerment opportunities for the traditionally underserved. This challenges the wealth gap that currently exists in our city and drives a more equitable society. Believe Atlanta^SM  is focusing on job-skills, financial literacy, resources for small business, and access to education and careers that deliver hope for the future. 

Believe Atlanta^SM is an extension of AT&T Believes ^SM, a company-wide, localized effort to positive change in our communities. AT&T Believes harnesses employees engagement, supports it with company resources and joins with area organizations and non-profits like CEFGA to make an even bigger impact on local communities and society at large.