ACRI Star Student: Matthew Orr

Go Build Alabama, an initiative of the Alabama Construction Recruitment Institute, named Matthew Orr the Go Build Alabama Student of the Month for December.

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.

Orr is a senior at Satsuma High School and takes welding classes at TL Faulkner Career Tech Center. He is also a member of SkillsUSA. He has attained four AWS certifications and is currently working on his fifth. His teacher said the Matthew often comes after school and in the summer to practice and maintain his skills. Matthew not only excels in welding, he is also a great leader, and is a member of the student council at Satsuma High School.

“Welding is my passion, and I love to do it. After I graduate from high school, I would like to go to the Tulsa Welding School in Tulsa, Oklahoma to become a master welder,” he 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.