The Effingham County School System was one of six school districts in the state recognized by Gov. Nathan Deal and the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development for having 100 percent of the system’s high schools organized with a Go Build Georgia high school team.
Also recognized were the Columbia, Glynn, Jackson, Meriwether and Murray county school systems.
“Go Build Georgia high school teams serve as a great resource for our state, educating young people on the opportunities in the skilled trades and building a strong workforce,” said Deal. “Special thanks to these educators for their commitment to Georgia’s youth and the economic future of our state.”
The Go Build Georgia high school teams program launched in October 2012 to provide the next workforce generation with the necessary resources to make informed career decisions after graduation. The teams, made up of teachers, counselors, and local business leaders, promote the values and opportunities available in the skilled trade industry.
“We are excited to take yet another step in our journey for education excellence,” said Randy Shearouse, superintendent of Effingham County Schools. “Working together as a community, we are building on the success of our school system’s Career, Technical and Agricultural Education program by participating in the Go Build Georgia initiative. Both of our high schools work to incorporate the importance of learning a skilled trade and good work habits.”
“I applaud the efforts of these schools for gaining 100 percent Go Build Georgia high school team participation,” said Ben Hames, executive director for GOWD. “With more than 220 teams across the state working to close the skilled labor gap, we are proud of these educators and look forward to experiencing the far reaching benefits of a skilled, available workforce in Georgia.”
The Go Build Georgia program seeks to close the state’s skilled labor gap by dispelling misconceptions about the industry and building a pipeline of workers. The Web site, www.gobuildgeorgia.com, provides data, information and guidance to students and parents about careers in the industry and help on how to get started. Featured skilled trade occupations highlighted on the Web site include welders, pipefitters, truck drivers, electricians, plumbers, industrial maintenance, civil engineers and in-ground utility contractors.
“Through the Golden Isles Career Academy, Glynn County has been involved in Go Build Georgia since its launch in 2012. It is important that we close the skills gap so that upon graduation, students have the opportunity to move right into the workforce if that is their chosen career path,” said Howard Mann, superintendent of Glynn County Schools. “Our CTAE instructors use resources like the Go Build Georgia Web site as a career exploratory tool for students to learn more about the opportunities and to get them excited about the potential for success after high school.”
“The Murray County School System recognizes the value of preparing students for careers in the skilled trades and we believe the GBG high school teams are an important step in making information available,” said Vickie Reed, superintendent of Murray County Schools. “We appreciate the support we are receiving from the Go Build Georgia program as we strive to make our mission, “Committed to student success, no exceptions, no excuses” a reality for all students.”
“The Go Build Georgia high school teams program helps our teachers better promote careers in fields experiencing a shortage of high-skilled workers,” said Sandra Carraway, superintendent of Columbia County Schools. “Through the program our students are exposed to the value of learning a trade, as we seek to dispel their misconceptions about the industry and inspire them to consider building a career as a skilled tradesman.”
“Jackson County is very proud to have achieved 100 percent participation in the Go Build Georgia initiative.” said April Howard, superintendent of Jackson County Schools. “Not only does the experience equip our students for success, ultimately the program empowers our communities by providing a more skilled work force which promotes our economic development.”
“This is another exciting step in preparing our graduates for the world of work,” said Carol L. Lane, superintendent of Meriwether County Schools. “We are seeing more and more jobs come to Meriwether County, and program such as Go Build help us show that we are able to produce top notch employees.”
