The Construction Education Foundation of Georgia (CEFGA) is launching a series of Instagram Live discussions to educate students about career opportunities in the construction industry. Beginning June 16 and running weekly, CEFGA will hold sessions at @CEFGA_jobs covering topics such as career options, trade schools, industry training, and truths and misconceptions about careers in the skilled trades.

The Instagram Live sessions will be hosted by Kayleen McCabe, contractor and host of “Rescue Renovation” on the DIY Network, along with CEFGA President and CEO Scott Shelar. The two will speak with students, industry leaders and employers about their experiences and insights around the skilled trades. 

All sessions are free and open to anyone interested. The Instagram Live sessions will begin at Noon @cefga_jobs on Instagram each week. 

“Even during this pandemic, the construction industry is still strong. But for years, businesses have had trouble hiring trained workers, leading to a skilled labor gap in the U.S.,” says CEFGA’s Shelar. “These new Instagram sessions are an opportunity for young people to hear from industry leaders about how we can close the skilled labor gap by giving them the information they need to enter the skilled trade workforce.” 

The current CEFGA Instagram Live schedule includes: 

• June 16: “How Do I Pursue A Career in the Skilled Trades?”  

• June 23, “What Can a Trade School Do for Me?” 

• June 30, “Training and Networking: Getting a Real Job in the Skilled Trades” 

• July 7, “Truths & Misconceptions: Careers in the Skilled Trades”

Job Placement 

CEFGA continues to educate students on career options and is working to place students directly into jobs at leading construction companies. High school students interested in a career in construction can text “careerpath” to 31996 to receive a quick application. The CEFGA career placement team will follow up with the student for information on advanced training, apprenticeships, and even job placement.  

The organization will continue to work with teachers and guidance counselors through the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. CEFGA is partially able to provide these services to Georgia’s students through the support and partnership with The Home Depot Foundation, The Marcus Foundation and The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. The three organizations came together earlier this year to seed a $5.7 million, three-year grant to address the need for skilled workers in the construction trades.