The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Workforce division announced the launch of a new brand for Georgia’s skilled trade education initiative Trade Five, formerly known as Go Build Georgia.

“One of the state’s greatest economic development assets is our workforce,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “It is critically important that we provide companies who locate or expand in Georgia access to a reliable workforce. Our Trade Five initiative educates future workers about in-demand skilled trade careers, and supplies employers with a young, talented workforce to meet their business needs.”

“Trade Five, Skills for Higher Earning” was announced during the Champions Breakfast at the annual Skills USA Georgia State Leadership and Skills Conference/Career Expo being held at the Georgia International Convention Center.

This initiative, launched in 2012 by Governor Deal, is designed to dispel the misconceptions that jobs within the skilled trades are “dirty” and unattractive, but rather promote the lucrative, lasting career opportunities that exist within these key industries across the State.

“We’ve heard from countless employers about a need for a young, educated and skilled workforce to meet the demands of business,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Deputy Commissioner Ben Hames. “We are excited to continue the good work of promoting opportunities within the skilled trades through our very own Trade Five initiative.”

As an effort to promote skilled trade education across the state, Trade Five launched a grant and scholarship program in early 2016. The Trade Five Grant program is a $500 grant, awarded to Georgia high schools who seeks financial support for the enhancement of their skilled trade education efforts. The Trade Five Scholarship program is a $1,000 scholarship, awarded each year to graduating Georgia high school seniors who will be attending a Technical College System of Georgia institution to study a skilled trade-related program.

Both the Trade Five Grant and Scholarship programs are funded by the Trade Five Foundation Board, a private entity of employers and industry leaders who support the mission behind skilled trade education in Georgia.