From Oct. 19 to Nov. 13, 2026, 20 LaGrange residents are taking part in a job training program conducted by nonprofit “Construction Ready” and supported by the Google STAR program. The program works with the students each day, providing training and credentialing for careers in construction and the skilled trades, concluding with a job fair and job placement for most students with local companies in the trades.

The goal of Construction Ready is to help close the workforce skills gap. There’s a continuing need for skilled workers and closing this skills gap by educating more Georgians about careers in the skilled professions is Construction Ready’s primary goal.

The program began Oct. 19 and runs through Nov. 13. Students are learning to use hand and power tools, learning interview skills, and learning about proper handling of materials. They’ll also be building a small project during the class.

A Nov. 9 Hiring Fair will connect students with local trade companies looking to hire.The students graduate on Nov. 13th.

This Construction Ready Construction Training class is fully funded by Google. 

• It will match many of the students with jobs in the industry by the time they complete the class 
• Students will learn key skills including: basic safety, construction math, communications and employability skills, how to use hand and power tools, interview skills, and financial literacy.

The Google Skilled Trades and Readiness (STAR) Program is a short-term training program preparing new-to-industry talent for entry-level careers in construction and the skilled trades. By supporting these initiatives in the communities it calls home, Google is creating a robust workforce of skilled, local, and underinvested talent to bolster each region's growth. 

Since 2014, the Construction Ready adult education program has trained more than 2,000 workers of all ages for a successful career in construction. Successes of the program include: 

• 97% job placement by end of training
• Average starting salary of $13 - $19/hour
• 70% of participants employed with the same company one year later