Meta and Holder Construction Co. have launched the second cohort of their Hardhat in Hand program designed to encourage young people to enter the local skilled trades field. 

The companies kicked off the local part of the national program Monday at the Newton Data Center.

Hardhat in Hand is a paid, eight-week training that focuses on recruiting new people to the construction trades and provides participants with basic fundamental knowledge relevant to all construction and skilled trade occupations. 

The program is supported by a partnership between Meta and the company’s data center general contractors.

Meta announced that 12 recent high school graduates from the local area are participating in the program for this cohort. 

Newton County residents include:

• Andrew Bray - Newton College and Career Academy

• Christian Cortes - Newton High School

• Justin “Jay” Covington – Alcovy High School

• Nicholas Moss - Newton High School

• Isaiah Regal – Eastside High School

• Tyshaun Troy - Newton College and Career Academy

Others come from Walton County and include:

• Brandon Braun - Walnut Grove High School

• Isaac Lundy - Walnut Grove High School

• Chance Price – Loganville High School

• Eric Ramey - Walnut Grove High School

• Jorge “Rico” Tomlinson - Monroe Area High School

• TaiJai Smith – Loganville High School

Participants begin the program with classroom coursework before moving to on-the-job training designed to prepare them for entry-level careers in the construction industry. 

Upon successful completion of the program, participants can earn full-time employment in fields including electrical, carpentry, concrete and sheet metal working.

The goal of Hardhat in Hand is to expand the local skilled trades talent pipeline, increase diversity in the construction industry and provide a path to reliable, well-paid job opportunities in a growing industry.