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ALBANY, GA. --
Governor Nathan Deal has issued a statewide initiative to "Go Build Georgia."

Representatives from the Governor’s Office were in Albany talking with officials from southwest Georgia about how local students can benefit from the cause.

As the state moves into a phase of job recovery, officials believe better days are in sight.

“All of us working together as a team within the state of Georgia are not only looking to attract to Georgia but also help companies that are here go ahead and expand,” says Tricia Pridemore, Executive Director of Workforce Development for the Governor’s Office.

Throughout this year about 16,500 jobs are expected to become available within the skill trades.

"Go Build Georgia” is seeking out experienced students to possibly fill these positions.

Dr. Tony Parker, the President for Albany Technical College, says he has no doubt that his students are capable of performing well in these jobs.

“We know that there's going to be other organizations that bid on jobs as we expand and we want them to know that our students are among the best construction students in the country,” says Albany Tech President Dr. Anthony Parker.

The school has more than a dozen construction programs with high job placement but not all of those positions are permanent.

“As those projects come to an end we want to make sure that they find great employment,” says Dr. Parker.

Jobs expected to open this year include occupations in construction, manufacturing, transportation, energy, and telecommunications.

“Go Build Georgia” is a part of a statewide initiative that Governor Nathan Deal announced during this year’s State of the State address. It is part of the Georgia Competitiveness Initiative to make the state more competitive both nationally and internationally.