Industry News

Georgia Contractors Target Recruitment

May 15, 2024

Initiatives offer a blend of academic and practical simulator training.

Georgia Contractors Association Targets Construction Recruitment

The Georgia Highway Contractors Association (GHCA) is looking to recruit young workers into the industry with two initiatives: one for attracting operators and another for other jobs building roadways in the state.

According to an article from Transportation Builder, GHCA's Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) Program helps spark interest in high school students. Launched in 2022, it initially rolled out in six schools across the state and grew to include nine additional high schools and one technical college by 2023.

The initiative blends the elements of academic curriculum and practical simulator training. During the simulator training, students engage in various modules, such as machine walkaround, bench and truck loading, trench box and pipe, and trenching, according to the article.

According to the article, the HEO program attracted 90 students in its inaugural year, with 45% of graduating students going on to accept jobs within the industry.

The second initiative—the Georgia Road Jobs Campaign—helps existing job seekers understand the career paths available within the highway construction sector. A specially designed website enables potential candidates to learn about the industry through testimonials from employees, and fill out an online questionnaire to connect them with hiring contractors.

In 2023, the campaign linked over 8,000 individuals interested in the industry to contractors looking to hire, according to the article.