Construction Ready, a workforce development program based in Atlanta, marked a milestone last month by hosting its first-ever class in Alabama, aiming to equip residents with the skills and certifications needed to enter the construction industry.

The 20-day program, held in Opelika, provided participants with certifications such as OSHA 10-Hour training, first aid, forklift safety, and other essential credentials required for entry-level construction jobs. The initiative culminated in a hiring fair, connecting graduates directly with employers looking to fill positions across the state.

In addition to classroom instruction, students completed a hands-on project by building a picnic table, giving them experience with basic tools and teamwork. A spokesperson for Construction Ready highlighted that Alabama currently has over 3,000 open construction jobs, based on data from various employment sites, underscoring the demand for skilled labor in the region.

The inaugural class in Alabama saw eight participants graduate on April 25, ready to enter the workforce. The program touts a 97% job placement rate upon completion, with over 70% of graduates still employed at their initial company a year later, according to Construction Ready.

Johnny Hughes, vice president of training program development for Construction Ready, said the program’s success in bridging the skills gap for entry-level workers has been personally rewarding.

“There was a student who I personally had a hand in helping who had been previously incarcerated when he came to our class. He came, gave 110%, got a job after the program doing site cleanup,” Hughes shared. “That was about 12 years ago, and now he is a senior project engineer for the same company. … I don't know too many other industries that'll give you a pathway to a six-figure position in 10 years without going to college and having a criminal background.”

Construction Ready, launched in 2014, has already trained more than 1,800 individuals in Georgia and Florida, with plans to expand its presence in Alabama following the success of the Opelika pilot class.

The program was developed in response to the growing need for qualified workers in the construction sector, especially in light of an aging workforce and an uptick in construction activity across the southeastern U.S.

For many participants, the program offers not only job skills but also a pathway to financial stability and career advancement. Hughes emphasized that such opportunities can be life-changing, especially for those who have faced barriers to employment in the past.

Those interested in joining future classes in Alabama can visit the Construction Ready website to learn more and register for upcoming sessions.

As Alabama continues to see growth in commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects, programs like Construction Ready aim to ensure a pipeline of trained workers is ready to meet industry demands—and to provide individuals with the tools to build a better future.

Originally reported by Montgomery Advertiser.