HUNTSVILLE — For those wanting to build their future, their future could be in building.
To meet the need for skilled construction workers, Meta and Holder Construction are bringing Hardhat in Hand, Meta’s nationwide skilled trades training program, to Meta’s Huntsville Data Center.
Hardhat in Hand, a paid eight-week program, is run in partnership with Drake State Community and Technical College and United Way of Madison County.
“The Hardhat in Hand program is a hands-on opportunity to help people in the community
acquire the skills they need for reliable, well-paying careers that help build the infrastructure of the future,” said Katie Comer, community development regional manager at Meta. “We’re grateful for the partnership with Holder Construction, Drake State and the United Way of Madison County to offer this unique training program and help participants launch a career in a high-demand field.”
Meta has been part of the community since breaking ground on its Huntsville Data
Center in 2018. According to Holder Construction, there will be 1,300 construction workers on site at peak.
“We appreciate Meta’s forward-thinking commitment to workforce development and are proud to launch the Huntsville Data Center’s first Hardhat in Hand class,” said Beth Lowry, president of Holder Construction-Atlanta. “Holder Construction is partnering with Drake State Technical College, who has years of experience connecting individuals in the Huntsville community with a pathway to a higher living wage through construction.
“Together, Meta, Holder, Drake State, and the United Way are taking action to solve Alabama’s high-demand construction need by investing back into the local community.”
A recent report from the Associated Builders and Contractors estimated the construction industry needs to recruit nearly 650,000 more people than normal hiring to meet the demand for labor.
“Drake State believes in the power of partnerships to affect positive change in our community,” said Dr. Patricia G. Sims, president of Drake State. “We are thrilled to join Meta and Holder Construction in bringing the Hardhat in Hand Program to North
Alabama and creating a new pathway for people to learn highly-marketable construction skills.
“This onsite training, integrating regular site walks and working real-time with key trade partners, will provide a huge advantage to residents who enroll in the program.”
“In a fast-growing area like Huntsville/Madison County, making sure our commercial builders have a ready workforce is essential,” said Cathy Miller, Community Impact director with the United Way of Madison County. “Thanks to Holder Construction and Meta’s Hardhat in Hand program, that need is being fulfilled while creating pathways for individuals eager to build a career and a future. United Way of Madison County, with our network of key resources and helping hearts and our reputation for successful collaboration, is proud to stand as a community partner.
“We are dedicated to lowering barriers like transportation, need for unaffordable tools and protective safety gear, so that the Hardhat in Hand students can concentrate on the door of
opportunity. Together we can do more.”
Applications are being accepted through Sept. 23; the program begins Oct. 17. The application can be found at this link. For information, email [email protected].
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