Clayco and CCDI Launch Expanded Skilled Trades Training Program to Create Career Pathways for Communities Surrounding Rivian’s Electric Vehicle Plant in Georgia
First Local Cohort, Taught by Nonprofit Construction Ready, Provides Industry Credentials and Employment Opportunities for Local Residents
SOCIAL CIRCLE, GA — October 6, 2026 — Clayco, one of the nation’s largest design-build firms, is expanding a workforce development program with its nonprofit affiliate, Construction Career Development Initiative (CCDI), to create pathways into skilled-trade careers for local residents as part of its work as a general contractor for Rivian’s electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Georgia, one of the state’s largest economic development projects.
The first of three planned training cohorts is underway, with 24 residents between the ages of 18 and 53 participating in a fully funded, 20-day pre-apprenticeship program delivered by Georgia-based nonprofit Construction Ready. Participants receive hands-on training, can earn up to eight industry-recognized credentials and connect directly with contractors and employers seeking skilled workers.
“At Clayco, we make it a priority to engage with the communities where we build and create opportunities that extend beyond the project itself,” said Tony Mezines, Executive Vice President at Clayco. “Through our collaboration with CCDI and Construction Ready, we are helping local residents gain the skills, credentials and employer connections they need to pursue lasting careers in the skilled trades.”
“Rivian is excited to work with Clayco and our construction partners to create opportunities for Georgian’s to enter the exciting construction workforce. We will build together,” said Tony Sanger, Vice President of Rivian Facilities.
Together, CCDI, Clayco and Clayco’s subcontracting partners have raised $220,000, in addition to a $50,000 contribution from Rivian, to support pre-apprenticeship training and broader community initiatives, including scholarships, internships and career exposure throughout the project’s lifecycle. Future cohorts will be supported through private industry contributions and Georgia’s PEACH Education Tax Credit, which allows individuals and businesses to direct state income-tax dollars toward approved public education initiatives, including innovative construction education programs.
“We want local residents to see a place for themselves in the opportunities coming to our community,” said Dessa Morris, Senior Vice President of the Development Authority of Walton County. “We are grateful to Clayco, CCDI, Rivian and Construction Ready for investing in our neighbors and bringing this program here. Providing training at no cost and direct connections to employers gives participants a practical path to careers that can support their families for years to come.”
The initiative comes as the construction industry faces a continued demand for skilled workers. Associated Builders and Contractors estimates that the industry must attract 349,000 additional workers in 2026 and 456,000 in 2027 to meet demand for construction services. Construction Ready reports that 97% of its graduates receive job offers immediately following training.
“Our 97% placement rate reflects what can happen when training is directly connected to the needs of contractors,” said Luke Fletcher, Vice President of Pre-Apprenticeship at Construction Ready. “But placement is only the beginning. We continue supporting graduates after they are hired, helping them navigate challenges, remain employed and build lasting careers in the skilled trades.”
Beyond the inaugural Georgia cohort, Clayco and CCDI are working with local school districts, colleges, workforce development organizations and community partners across Walton, Newton and neighboring counties to introduce students, educators and job seekers to career opportunities connected to large-scale industrial construction.
“CCDI’s role is to connect the people, organizations and employers needed to create a pathway from career awareness to employment,” said Rachel Boemer, Program Director at CCDI. “We want residents to understand what opportunities are available, receive the preparation they need and have direct access to employers. That is how a major project creates a lasting workforce legacy within the surrounding communities.”
About Clayco
Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering and construction firm that safely and sustainably delivers the highest-quality solutions to clients across North America on time, on budget and above and beyond expectations. With more than $8.1 billion in revenue for 2025, Clayco specializes in the “art and science of building,” providing fast-track, efficient solutions for industrial, commercial, institutional and residential building projects. For more information, visit www.claycorp.com.
About CCDI
Founded in 2015, Construction Career Development Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that creates pathways into construction careers through industry exposure, hands-on job preparation, employer access, mentorship, scholarships, internships and career placement. CCDI works with schools, workforce organizations, contractors and community partners to connect people with meaningful career opportunities and help them succeed and advance in the construction industry.
About Rivian
Rivian (NASDAQ: RIVN) is an American automotive technology company that develops and builds category-defining electric vehicles as well as vertically integrated technologies and services. Through innovation across its electrical architecture, end-to-end software, autonomous driving platform, artificial intelligence and propulsion, the company creates vehicles that excel at work and play while accelerating the global transition to zero-emission transportation and energy. Rivian vehicles are manufactured in the United States and are sold directly to consumer and commercial customers. Whether taking families on new adventures or electrifying fleets at scale, Rivian vehicles all share a common goal — preserving the natural world for generations to come.
Learn more about the company, products and careers at www.rivian.com.
About Construction Ready
Construction Ready is a Georgia-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that prepares individuals for careers in the skilled trades through intensive training, industry-recognized credentials and direct connections to employers. Its fully funded, 20-day construction training program helps participants develop the technical and professional skills needed to begin successful careers in construction. For more information, visit www.constructionready.org.