Fifteen participants graduated in mid-July from Building Georgia, a statewide workforce initiative led by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) to prepare Georgians for transportation and infrastructure careers.

Building Georgia was created to help close the state’s growing infrastructure workforce gap by connecting job seekers with employers, training providers, and career opportunities stemming from historic investments in Georgia’s transportation system.

Throughout the program, participants explored career pathways with GDOT. Shortly before graduation, GDOT human resources representatives met with participants to highlight positions in Highway Maintenance, Construction, Right-of-Way Technician, Equipment Maintenance, and General Trades, and to outline advancement pathways supported by paid training and professional development.

Participants interested in Highway Maintenance learned they can earn a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) through GDOT at no cost during their first nine months on the job. Those who already hold a CDL can start at a higher classification and, over time, advance into superintendent, management, and other leadership roles. Representatives noted that entry-level employees can reach six-figure management positions within four to eight years, depending on their pace of development.

Graduates also learned about careers as Construction Technicians, who ensure contractors meet GDOT specifications on projects. That career pathway offers advancement to Construction Inspector, Project Manager, and Assistant Area Manager through performance and agency training, with no additional formal education required.

Other opportunities include careers as Right-of-Way Specialists, who help acquire and manage property for transportation projects and receive employer support to maintain their real estate licenses; Mechanic Specialists, who maintain the equipment that keeps Georgia’s transportation network operating; and General Trades professionals who maintain GDOT facilities through skilled work such as plumbing, electrical, and building maintenance.

Representatives also highlighted what makes public service careers attractive, including employer-paid training, structured advancement, competitive benefits, and long-term career stability. Participants were encouraged to apply for positions aligned with their interests and qualifications and received guidance on tailoring their resumes and cover letters for the hiring process ahead.

“Every graduate represents potential not only for their own future but also for Georgia’s,” said Brett Lacy, ARC Managing Director, Workforce Solutions. “Building Georgia introduces participants to careers that offer advancement, stability, and purpose, while helping employers connect with a workforce prepared to succeed from day one.”

Building Georgia unites public agencies, employers, and workforce partners to build a stronger talent pipeline for Georgia’s infrastructure industries and to expand access to careers that offer family-sustaining wages, professional growth, and long-term opportunity.

“This entire experience was motivational and inspiring, because the opportunity was right in front of me,” said graduate Stephanie Mclin. A lot of helpful information was provided up front, and that made me very comfortable with moving forward with what I wanted to do – construction – and going straight through the program.”

For more information about Building Georgia, visit buildingga.org.