The Atlanta Beltline and AWDA Creates Opportunities for Displaced Workers

The Atlanta BeltLine a 22-mile loop of mostly abandoned freight rail around the city is being planned to create parks, trails, a transit system and live, work, play communities to build Atlanta’s communities and enhance the city's infrastructure and green space.  Today, it’s creating employment opportunities. The Atlanta Workforce Development Agency (AWDA) in partnership with the BeltLine has facilitated training and employment of program participants to construct and restore public facilities including the BeltLine’s parks, trails and landscapes. 

Responsible for identifying qualified candidates for employment with the BeltLine, AWDA recruits and screens individuals with prior construction, general labor, and landscaping experience living in zip codes contiguous to the BeltLine.  Through the National Center for Construction and Research (NCCER), program participants ages 20 to 60 are trained in reading blueprints, basic construction math, and power tool operation.  Program participants receive certification by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and receive CPR training and certification.  Many program participants are now employed throughout BeltLine districts working on City projects, including the maintenance of Atlanta City Hall.