Goodwill of Greater Washington has developed a targeted pre-apprenticeship construction program to recruit and train females interested in pursuing careers in the construction industry.

The purpose of the program is to create opportunities for low-income women in Prince Georges’s County and the District of Columbia to become economically independent through employment in the construction industry-a non traditional occupation for females.

“Goodwill knows that many women often face very different challenges and barriers to economic and employment stability, and those are addressed at the root of program planning,”, said Brendan Hurley, senior vice-president of marketing and communications for Goodwill of Greater Washington.

“This program assures me independence in my future. I no longer wanted to do office politics of being hassled because of my criminal background. This construction industry is not so rigid,” said Terecita Allen White, who wants to become a project manager.

Regina Hawkins, 19, from Oxon Hill, Md., just completed her GED program. She wants to be a professional painter. “I find the construction industry very interesting,” said Hawkins.

The program is also designed to decrease the pressing need for skilled workers in the construction industry in the Washington metropolitan area. Partnering organization represent employers, training specialist and related service organizations such as Workforce organizations for Regional Collaboration, Associated Builders and Contractors of Metro Washington. Currently, the program is looking for sponsors to donate funds to help pay for transportation for the women to come to class.

“I want to become a licensed plumber,” said Walnetta Roberts, currently disabled by a bullet under her armpit. “Doors have been shut in my face because of y past federal record. I will become a professional am my own boss,” she said, gleaming.

Georgia Pair Mason, 55, was the senior of the group. Mason retired from the U.S. Department of Defense. “I wanted a career change and took an early retirement. The construction industry is an area I was always interested in pursuing. I hope to become a site inspector and learn carpentry skills,” said Mason.

The program began last year and already has 23 graduates that have either continued their education oin construction or obtained employment. The female training focused curriculum offered an accredited apprenticeship training, which includes basic safety, introduction to hand and power tools, introduction to construction math and blueprinting.

For more information, call Goodwill Industries at 202-715-2627.