Evans Construction outlines youth apprenticeship push; board hears update

Jeff Jepsen, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Evans Construction Company, told the board of education at an informal Sept. 2 meeting that his company is partnering with the district to expand youth apprenticeship opportunities in construction trades. Jepsen said Evans has signed work‑based learning agreements with four private employers, helped establish a new lab and classroom space at Windsor Forest High School and supported hiring two construction teachers there. “This is not about a job. This is about a career,” Jepsen said, describing a four‑year industry certification that he said will allow students to travel and work in many places. The presentation matters because district officials and employers said the skilled trades workforce is aging and local contractors report shortages. Jepsen said the program uses an NCCER curriculum aligned to Georgia high‑school graduation requirements and industry certification standards and that some students already placed with employers are working while in school. Board members asked how the program would reach younger students and whether it would pair with technical colleges. “Our hope is to get it going in mechanical, plumbing and electrical,” Jepsen said, adding the district cannot place under‑16 students on job sites for safety and legal reasons but can expose seventh‑ and eighth‑graders to the pathway. He said Savannah Tech has discussed dual‑enrollment options for students who cannot access classes at their high school. Board members also asked about participation limits, transportation and whether private schools were part of the partnership. Jepsen said the four work‑based learning partners are ready to employ 16‑and‑older students and that early transportation solutions are being discussed informally with employers; he said private schools he visited did not have the lab space or staffing to run similar programs. Jepsen told the board he has already connected about 10 students this year to employers and said students in the program can begin earning pay in high school; he gave example pay figures from industry experience and said apprentices often earn about $20 per hour while in school and may reach six‑figure annual earnings over time with experience and overtime, depending on the trade and hours worked. He emphasized that the program provides industry‑recognized certifications that travel with students. The presentation was information only; the Sept. 2 session was an informal meeting and no motions or votes were taken. Board members, district staff and Jepsen discussed marketing the program to students, using guidance counselors and social media, and the need for clearer logistics when students at multiple schools want to participate in a single incubator site. “What we really need within the schools is marketing this program to the kids,” Jepsen said. Jepsen also described his advocacy for a recent state law change he said expanded higher‑education benefits for surviving families of first responders and, in a last‑minute amendment, included educators. He identified the legislation as House Bill 56 (codified as Senate Bill 62 at signing) and said it was signed by the governor in July. The board thanked Jepsen and did not take action; the discussion was recorded for information and possible future agenda items.