ACRI Student of the Month: Caleb Wentland

Go Build Alabama, an initiative of the Alabama Construction Recruitment Institute, named Caleb Wentland the Go Build Alabama Student of the Month for October.

The Student of the Month program, which honors one high school junior or senior each month, was created to recognize and encourage high school students who plan to pursue careers in the construction industry. Each Student of the Month is entered to win a $2,500 scholarship, which will be given away in April. The scholarship may be used for any education or training that will help the winning student master a skilled construction trade.

Wentland is a senior at Pike County High School, where he takes career technical classes in building construction. He is also a member of SkillsUSA. Wentland enjoys hunting, fishing and playing guitar. “I like jobs that require hands on skills and that offer a service to the community,” Wentland said.

Teachers, principals and other school personnel are welcome to nominate students as the Go Build Alabama Student of the Month. To be eligible, students must be high school juniors or seniors who have demonstrated interest in construction careers. They must also be enrolled in or have been enrolled in technical courses related to the skilled labor industry. Visit www.gobuildalabama.com to download a nomination form.

ACRI launched the Go Build campaign in August of 2010 in effort to prepare for the anticipated shortage as older tradesmen leave the workforce. One third of all skilled tradesmen in the construction industry are over the age of 50. With their retirement on the horizon, training programs are not producing enough young workers to replace those exiting the industry. The Go Build campaign aims to recruit the next generation of skilled construction trade workers.