One of AGC East Tennessee’s greatest priorities is developing the next generation of construction professionals—and this year marked another major step forward.

The Construction Career Center placed nearly 200 graduates into construction careers, achieving a 100% placement rate for job-ready graduates. This success has become a model for workforce development, attracting national recognition and helping secure a $9 million Bloomberg Philanthropies grant to expand the program into two Chattanooga high schools.

AGC’s workforce initiatives continue to grow beyond the classroom. Through Construction Camp, the Construction Career Expo, classroom presentations, and industry outreach, thousands of students were introduced to rewarding careers in construction and the skilled trades.

Another milestone came when the City of Chattanooga selected AGC East Tennessee to lead the Builder’s Blueprint contractor development program, awarding $175,000 in grant funding to expand opportunities for aspiring contractors.

These accomplishments are helping create a stronger talent pipeline for East Tennessee contractors while ensuring the construction industry has the skilled workforce needed for years to come.