One of the ways Georgia’s government hopes to ensure its workforce is prepared for the future is by acknowledging certain careers will be in higher demand due to more positions being offered.

There are several skilled trades found throughout the state, but the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) has determined that five specific industries will create the core group of in-demand skilled trade careers moving forward.

Because of this, GDEcD has created Trade Five, the state’s workforce-awareness program geared toward increasing awareness of high-demand careers in five key industries.. The five focus industries are:

·      Construction

·      Manufacturing

·      Telecommunication

·      Logistics

·      Energy

The goal of this public-private partnership is to enhance the state’s talent pipeline in these high-demand industries by educating Georgia’s future workforce on promising careers in the skilled trades.

To help meet this goal, Trade Five is awarding grants and scholarships around the state.

Trade Five and the Trade Five Foundation have partnered with the Career, Technical and Agricultural Education Division (CTAE) of the Georgia Department of Education (GDOE) to award Grants to GDOE middle and high school institutions for skilled-trade-aligned special activities.

To be considered for a grant award, a Georgia middle or high school must submit an electronic application to CTAE, where it will receive initial vetting and approval before being forwarded to Trade Five for final consideration.

For institutions interested in applying for a grant, click here for the application.

Trade Five Scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school seniors entering a TCSG institution in a field of study leading to a high demand career in the skilled trades. These scholarships are made available by a collaborative effort of Trade Five, and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). Trade Five Scholarships can be used to cover tuition, requisite fees and materials.

For students interesting in applying for a scholarship, click here for the application.