Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, celebrated annually in February, is a dedicated time to recognize the importance of Career and Technical Education, emphasizing the development of practical skills, hands-on learning, and real-world experiences. Throughout the month, educational institutions, policymakers, and industry partners collaborate to showcase the diverse range of career pathways available through CTE, from healthcare and technology to agriculture and skilled trades. By promoting CTE, advocates seek to bridge the gap between education and workforce needs, ultimately empowering students with the skills and knowledge essential for thriving in today’s ever-evolving career landscape.
To establish the next-generation workforce, Carroll Daniel has invested resources to create a comprehensive work-based learning (WBL) program that provides high school students from across the region the opportunity to gain real-world experience and exposure to careers in the construction industry. Through partnership with the regional schools’ WBL and CTE programs, students are able to explore different career paths in construction – a perk that leads to those individuals having the power to choose their professional path for the future based on their interests and talents.
Continuing our commitment to Building Opportunities, Carroll Daniel Construction’s Apprenticeship Program is available to high school students, trade school students and all existing or prospective employees desiring to become Construction Superintendents. The program typically requires two years to complete, and each apprentice receives a combination of technical college instruction and on-the-job training. Through the program, Carroll Daniel Apprentices gain invaluable real-world experience and earn an associate degree from Lanier Technical College that can be applied toward a 4-year bachelor’s degree in construction, or any related field, may they wish to continue their education at a 4-year university.
Team Member Spotlight: From Work-Based Learning Student to Apprentice
Elvis Hernandez-Toledo is a current apprentice with Carroll Daniel Construction, having started as a Work-Based Learning student at Gainesville High School.
“Work-Based Learning gave me the opportunity to get a first-hand look into the career path that I was interested in,” says Elvis. “I’ve seen students go into the WBL program intending to go towards one career pathway, but after their WBL experience, they discover their passion and skillset are leading them in a different career direction than originally planned. For me, it did the opposite – it solidified my career decision. WBL is a great tool for students to get a feel for their careers.”
During his time at Gainesville High School, Elvis was also a Skills Challenge competitor and champion. Skills Challenge is a regional competition hosted by Carroll Daniel Construction and Associated General Contractors of Georgia that allows high school students the opportunity to compete in skilled trade competitions for awards and technical training scholarships. Elvis competed with three other students in the Team Works competition and won first place at the Northeast Georgia Skills Challenge event in 2021.
“I started working for Carroll Daniel because of the Apprentice program. It’s rare to find a company that is willing to invest in their employees, so when I was told about the program, I jumped at the idea of being able to grow into a career in construction.”
Following his high school graduation, Elvis joined the Carroll Daniel Apprenticeship Program. Elvis has been part of the Carroll Daniel team for 2 years now and is in his first year at Lanier Technical College. He radiates positivity, is always willing to lend a helping hand, and is a leader amongst his apprentice peer group.
