b'ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTExpanding the PipelineRecruiting future electricians at the high school level is a critical factor in sustaining the workforce demand. Through Lowndes High School, Ace Electric has made an ongoing commitment to offer work-based learning and job shadowing opportunities and summer internships for high school students interested in pursuing a career in the field of commercial electrical construction. We are no longer just competing with other electrical contractors for employees, says Shanks. With the numberWork-Based Learning: Jason VanNus, system coordinator for work-based of jobs far exceeding the number of available workers, we arelearning and apprenticeship programs at Lowndes High Schoolcompeting with every industry. This year, nine Lowndes High School students were selected toAccording to Shanks, for every three workers that leave aparticipate in Ace Electrics first summer internship program. skilled trade position, only one new employee is hired. This was our first year to have Lowndes High School students, andWith the fierce employment competition, Shanks says, Acewe were excited, says Shanks. We believe the summer internships Electrics vision is to be the preferred electrical contractor andare a great way to kick off the new program and partner with employer of choice in the communities and markets we serve.Lowndes High School and Wiregrass Tech. We will only be able to do this if we continue to attract andJason VanNus, a system coordinator for work-based learning and develop our future workforce. youth apprenticeship program at Lowndes High School, says thesummer internship with Ace Electric served as a vetting process to 40 SG MAGAZINE| FALL 2019 BUSINESS + CULTURE41'