What is Advancing Careers in Trades?
In partnership with our client Meta, formerly Facebook, Holder launched our first cohort of Advancing Careers in Trades (formerly Hardhat in Hand) in January 2022 on our Social Circle, GA jobsite. We have since seen 25 participants successfully complete the program, all of whom were hired full-time by either Holder Construction or a trade partner. We continue to offer this opportunity to the communities surrounding our Georgia site, and will be launching our next cohort in June of 2023. A link to the application for the June class is available at the bottom of this page
Advancing Careers in Trades is a hands-on training program aimed at expanding the local skilled trades talent pipeline and providing a path to reliable, well-paid job opportunities. The program is an eight-week training program designed to prepare individuals who are not currently in the construction industry for entry level employment within the construction trades. The program provides participants with an introduction to the construction industry, teaches construction and safety basics, and offers work-based learning opportunities on one of Holder Construction’s active jobsites. Not only does this program provide education on the fundamentals of construction, it also connects participants with our trade partners, who are experts in their fields and best-of-class firms in the industry.
Program Format
Participants spend the first four (4) weeks of the program in a classroom setting, with multiple opportunities to shadow a trade partner or walk the jobsite each week. During the second half of the program, participants partner with one of our trade partners, or with Holder, for four (4) weeks of work-based learning in the field. Upon graduation of the program, participants are eligible to be considered for full-time employment.
Partnerships
Holder establishes partnerships with local training organizations and technical college programs focused on building a skilled construction workforce, to deliver the classroom content. Previous partnerships include Construction Ready, and Drake State Community & Technical College.
Advancing Careers in Trades will also work with local community organizations dedicated to helping resolve social, economic, or other barriers that may arise for any of the program participants.
Our trade partners play a key role in the program’s success. Anning-Johnson Company, Critical Power Partners (CPP), and McKenney’s Inc. are some of the firms partnering with Holder Construction to provide learning opportunities for participants.
Credentials
Credentials earned during the classroom portion of the program include:
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NCCER Core
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OSHA 10 | OSHA 30
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First Aid / CPR / AED
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Laser Tool Certification*
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Forklift Safety Awareness*
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Utility Flagger*
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Alabama Ready-to-Work*
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Prior Learning/College Credit*
*May not be offered at every Advancing Careers in Trades location
Applicant Requirements
Applicants for the Advancing Careers in Trades program must:
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Be at least 18 years of age
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Have either their high school diploma or GED
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Pass a drug test prior to program launch and upon employment
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Want to work in the construction industry
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Be legally able to work in the United States
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Be able to participate in the full eight (8) week duration of the program in person
Application / Interviews / Onboarding
Applications are available by clicking the link at the bottom of this page. All applications must be completed and sent to AdvancingTradesATL@holder.com. Application deadlines vary by location, and are shown on page two of the application.
Applicants who meet the requirements above will be invited to interview for the program in person at one of our Interview Nights, which are typically held within 1-2 weeks of the application deadline. Participation is capped at 12 participants per cohort. Applicants will be interviewed by Holder, Holder’s trade partners, and our community partners.
Applicants will be notified if they are accepted or waitlisted for the program within 3 weeks of the program launch. Accepted participants will be required to attend an onboarding session during the week prior to the launch.
