On Wednesday, August 10th, MAX Talks featured insights from David Tzimenatos and Chad Looney with McKenney’s, The locally owned and operated firm has helped shape the skylines of Atlanta and other cities and has delivered high-quality, energy-efficient solutions since 1948. Tzimenatos and Looney discussed how McKenney’s has set out to be both the best mechanical service provider to work for as an employee through ongoing workforce development.
Tzimenatos explained how McKenney’s operates two major divisions – one focused on new construction and the other focused on maintaining existing buildings. Both divisions seek to hire individuals who are eager to learn a new career and willing to develop their career pathway at McKenney’s over the long term. McKenney’s provides on-the-job training, apprenticeship opportunities, a network of professional peers, and all the tools of the trade needed to be successful.
Looney, who began with McKenney’s as an entry level professional and is now a member of the leadership team, shared his personal story on how joining a company like McKenney’s has connected him with meaningful work and the ability to provide well for his family over the years.
During the session, the group discussed a number of challenges in growing the skilled trades workforce, such as:
- Helping individuals see the skilled trades as a career pathway that leads to good salaries and a lifetime of benefits.
- Helping workers of diverse background see opportunities for themselves in the skilled trades.
- Raising awareness regarding the growing demand for the skilled trades workforce.
Rob LeBeau of the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) joined MAX to discuss the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (ITJA) and the ITJA has the potential to reshape the Atlanta region through significant new investments, all of which will depend upon the availability of our region’s skilled trades workforce. According to ARC, the IIJA presents a historic opportunity to revitalize critical infrastructure – transit and transportation; energy and the environment; broadband; and workforce development – in the metro Atlanta region. According to LeBeau, the demand for the skilled trades workforce due to these anticipated investments is projected to grow by leaps and bounds each year.
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The session was led by MAX Talks program lead Ray Johnson with the Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI).
Special thanks to the Metro Atlanta Chamber for hosting the session.
ABOUT MAX TALKS
Launched in 2014, the mission of MAX is to advance economic competitiveness in the Atlanta region by strengthening connections, collaborations, and practices among workforce developers and organizations engaged in workforce development.
Through MAX Talks, MAX seeks to provide opportunities for workforce developers to hear directly from employers about their current and emerging workforce needs.