Students from Berkmar High School in Lilburn were among the more than 7,000 students from across Georgia who attended the Construction Ready CareerEXPO in late February.
The CareerExpo — the state’s largest youth workforce development event for the construction industry — was held February 20-21 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
The need for skilled workers in the industry remains high, and Construction Ready’s mission is to connect interested students to employers, post-secondary training and education programs.
About the EXPO
The CareerEXPO offered many hands-on displays that gave attendees the opportunity to work with industry leaders, equipment and materials. That interactive experience allowed students to learn more about the industry and introduced them to specific career paths.
“Across Georgia, many schools — from elementary through high school — are offering construction education programs,” said Scott Shelar, president & CEO of Construction Ready. “Our goal with our annual CareerExpo is to encourage students to explore and pursue careers in construction, design and energy.”
SkillsUSA Competition
CareerEXPO 2025 also featured the SkillsUSA State Championship, a competition that allows students to showcase their skills in a number of construction-related disciplines.
Winners will represent Georgia at the SkillsUSA Nationals Championship in Atlanta this summer.
By the Numbers
- More than 17,000 Georgia public school students are enrolled in 150 skilled trade construction and metals programs throughout the state.
- Industry professionals from over 300 companies in the state of Georgia participated in the CareerExpo to speak with students about their organizations’ work and career paths in the building and energy industries.
- Industries represented included construction management, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, energy and more.
- Colleges and universities representing eight different career clusters: Architecture and Construction, Arts, A/V Technology and Communications, Energy, Government and Public Administration, Human Services, Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security, Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM), and Transportation, Distribution and Logistics.
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 take part in its K12 programs, Little Builders, CareerEXPO and adult training programs.
For more information, visit constructionready.org.
