The inaugural Summer Construction Training Program concluded with a graduation ceremony held June 15 at Morris Hall Auditorium on the Valdosta Campus of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.
Designed and administered by the Economic Development division at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, the non-credit, two-week Summer Construction Training Program was created to provide graduating seniors and rising seniors with hands-on educational experiences and exposure to careers in the construction industry. The program introduced students to construction concepts, workplace safety, industry expectations, and career opportunities within the skilled trades.
Eleven students from area high schools were awarded scholarships to participate in the program and were recognized at their respective high schools’ Honors Night ceremonies earlier this spring. Through the scholarship-funded opportunity, participants received industry-recognized safety training, hands-on construction experience, and a firsthand look at careers available in the construction field.
Thanks to a generous donation from Georgia Power, the inaugural Summer Construction Training Program was offered at no cost to participating students through scholarships awarded by Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.
The Summer Construction Training Program ran from June 1 through June 15, beginning with OSHA 10-Hour Certification training and culminating in a graduation ceremony on June 15. During the two-week program, students received instruction in tool use and safety, project design, construction preparation, and hands-on construction activities. Through classroom learning and practical application, participants developed foundational construction skills while gaining valuable insight into careers within the construction industry.
“This program was designed to give students a hands-on introduction to the construction industry while helping them explore career opportunities that are essential to our region’s workforce,” said Joshua Whittington, Executive Director of Economic Development at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. “We are proud of what these students accomplished in just two weeks and thankful to Georgia Power for investing in the future workforce of our region. Their support helped remove financial barriers and made this opportunity accessible to students at no cost.”
The program reflects Wiregrass Georgia Technical College’s commitment to workforce development and creating pathways for students to explore careers in construction and related industries. By combining safety certification, technical instruction, and hands-on learning experiences, the program equipped students with practical skills that can serve as a foundation for future educational and career pursuits.
Family members, instructors, and supporters gathered at Morris Hall Auditorium to recognize the students’ achievements and celebrate the success of the program’s inaugural year.
Organizers look forward to building on the success of the first Summer Construction Training Program and expanding opportunities for future students interested in the skilled trades.
The Summer Construction Training Program is a non-credit workforce training initiative developed by the Economic Development Department at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. The program provides graduating seniors and rising seniors with hands-on construction training, safety certification, and career exploration opportunities designed to introduce students to the skilled trades and workforce pathways available in the construction industry.
For more information about training opportunities offered through the Economic Development department, please contact economicdevelopment@wiregrass.edu or call 229-333-2122. Additional information is also available at www.wiregrass.edu.
