Nominate students for great award

If you're a teacher or principal, and you know of a student at your school who's pursuing a career in the construction industry and you would like to recognize him or her for doing amazing things, this is your chance! Each month, one high school junior or senior receives the “Go Build Alabama” Future Skilled Workers of America Award!

The most recent winner is Austin Wolverton, a senior at Hewitt-Trussville High School. Austin is studying electrical construction and plans to pursue an apprenticeship after graduating from high school.

Go Build Alabama is an initiative of the Alabama Construction Recruitment Institute. Wach student who wins the award will receive a $1,000 scholarship to a training facility in Alabama that will allow the student to further their education in construction.

The scholarship is made possible by ACRI and the Big Dog Poker Run, an employee motorcycle ride sponsored by CraneWorks and Garrison Steel this past spring. All money collected in the registration fee for riders went to the Go Build Alabama scholarship fund for the student of the month award.

ACRI launched the Go Build campaign in August 2010 in an 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 and with their retirement on the horizon, it's believed training programs aren't producing enough young workers to replace them. The Go Build campaign aims to recruit the next generation of skilled construction trade workers.

Teachers, principals and other school personnel are encouraged to nominate students for the Go Build Alabama Future Skilled Workers of America Award. 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, and have plans to continue their education in the construction industry upon graduating from high school.

Please visit www.gobuildalabama.com to download a nomination form.