CEFGA: Building Opportunities for Georgia through Education, Training

The construction worker shortage has been a major concern in 2019, but thanks to organizations like the Construction Education Foundation of Georgia (CEFGA), the need for quality construction skills training in Georgia is steadily being met with realistic solutions. CEFGA President and CEO Scott Shelar joins co-hosts Mandy Holm and Todd Schnick in the latest All About Real Estate segment of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio to discuss the Atlanta nonprofit.

Celebrating 26 years, CEFGA was created in 1993 by leading construction presidents and CEOs as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The group offers a variety of programs to provide both short-term and long-term solutions for the skilled labor shortage. In fact, CEFGA is the largest National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Accredited Training Organization in Georgia with more than 70 accredited training and education facilities throughout the state.

CEFGA Programs include:

The K12 Pipeline
The K12 Pipeline is designed to help Georgia students build a rewarding career in the construction industry while also building a sustainable workforce for local companies. The Pipeline includes a statewide network of high school construction programs that teach entry-level skills and provide nationally recognized NCCER credentials to over 7,000 students annually.

Participants in the K12 Pipeline also enjoy access to the CareerExpo, one of the nation’s largest exploration events for students. With more than 9,000 in attendance on average, employers have an opportunity to meet the future workforce and share work opportunities.

Construction Ready
Construction Ready is a short-term, boot camp style program that helps employers find trained, screened, entry-level talent immediately. Since its launch 2 years ago, Construction Ready has trained and placed over 400 metro Atlanta residents into full-time positions, with a 90-day retention rate of more than 80%.

While Construction Ready is a free, 4-week program, it is primarily funded by government and private foundation support, and additional industry backing is always needed to amplify the impact of the program. Click here to learn more about contributing to CEFGA and its programs.

Listen to the full interview above to hear about CEFGA’s part in building Mercedes-Benz Stadium and upcoming events such as the Craft Pro Champions Awards Breakfast, or visit www.CEFGA.org for complete details.


A special thank you to Jackson EMC for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Jackson EMC offers homebuyers peace of mind and lower bills with its certified Right Choice™ new home program. These homes are built to be energy efficient and sustainable with improved indoor air quality, convenience and comfort. For more information on Right Choice new homes and Jackson EMC, visit https://RightChoice.JacksonEMC.com.

Kaplan Residential Delivering the First Prescient Building in Atlanta


The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, airs on Wednesdays and highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it.

Kaplan Residential Delivering the First Prescient Building in Atlanta

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