COBB COUNTY, Ga — Construction is happening all over Atlanta and contractors are having a hard time finding skilled workers.
The demand for this skill set is so high that Atlanta-based Home Depot launched a “boot camp” to train people.
Channel 2′s Chris Jose spoke with Junior Valcourt, a six-year army veteran. Before he left the military, Valcourt was told about Home Depot’s training program.
He now has the skills needed to work alongside electricians.
“When you have that opportunity, you need to take it. Not everybody has that chance,” Valcourt said
Home Depot is expanding its $50 million initiative with a new education and job placement program called “Path to Pro.”
The program lasts about one week and is starting right in Atlanta. The participants will learn about job site safety, tool usage, material handling and communication skills.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 300,000 open construction jobs in the Atlanta market.
Shannon Gerber, executive director for the Home Depot Foundation, says the industry is looking at ways to replace retiring “baby boomers.”
“We’re having a social issue we’re having to face here around how do we fill that skill labor gap at all varying levels and training them now so we can be prepared for that,” Gerber said.” When you think about [it] carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and those needs are not going down.”
“Path to Pro” includes entry level training to advanced certifications. Home Depot will also assist in job placement. The next boot camps start in January. Go to the website to apply.
Cox Media Group
