Ashby Autry | Director of Marketing
JCI Contractors
Why do you participate in Project Purpose activities with the school district?
We believe it’s important to support our school system and community by investing in the next generation. Project Purpose gives us the chance to encourage students, answer their questions, and help them see a future for themselves in local industries like construction. It’s about building relationships, inspiring career paths, and ensuring a strong, skilled workforce for years to come.
What value does Project Purpose add to your business, community, and workforce development?
At JCI Contractors, workforce development is one of our top priorities. The construction industry faces a growing shortage of skilled labor, which translates into tremendous opportunities for students to build rewarding and impactful careers. By participating in Project Purpose, we’re able to connect directly with students, share the wide range of possibilities that exist in our field, and show them how their skills and interests can translate into real careers.
Why should other businesses/organizations participate in Project Purpose activities?
Project Purpose is an opportunity for businesses and organizations to invest in the future of both students and our community. By participating, you can introduce students to career paths they may not have considered, help them understand the skills needed in today’s workforce, spark interest in industries that are vital to our region’s success, and promote the workforce needs of your own organization. When businesses engage with students early, everyone benefits. Students gain direction and confidence in their future, and industries gain a pipeline of motivated, career-ready talent.
Has your business had success in connecting with students through Project Purpose?
Project Purpose gives us the chance to show students that construction is more than just building; it’s creating spaces that shape our communities. At JCI Contractors, we are committed to investing in workforce development and connecting with students. Project Purpose not only inspires future careers but also helps ensure a strong and skilled workforce for our industry.
Do you have a Project Purpose student success story?
JCI first connected with Charlie Thornton through a Project Purpose event, where we had the opportunity to serve as a Club Day speaker. Charlie attended our talk, engaged thoughtfully during the Q&A, and even stayed afterward to continue the conversation. His passion and genuine interest in construction stood out, and we kept in touch with him over the following weeks. Upon his graduation, we offered Charlie a position at JCI. One of the coolest parts of his career journey is that he was assigned to JCI’s Colquitt County Schools Project Team, where he helped construct the 9th Grade Addition and the Canning Plant and Agricultural Facility right on his own high school campus! Today, Charlie is not only contributing to high-profile projects but also balancing his role at JCI with his college classes. He has become a valued member of our team, and his story highlights the impact of connecting with students through programs like Project Purpose.
Want to be a Project Purpose industry partner?