Goodwill of Greater Washington continues its commitment to the residents of the District by offering courses for both male and female in pre-apprenticeship programs to pursue careers in the construction industry.

According to Goodwill, clients entering its programs work with workforce development professionals to identify their experiences, aspirations, and develop an individual career plan designed to enhance personal and professional growth. Carrer skills training, also known as job readiness, help clients understand workplace etiquette and employer expectations. Clients also learn how to conduct an effective job search and develop the skills required in their respective career fields.

"When I came out of prison, I knew I had no time to waste. My old 'celly' referred me to Goodwill. Finally, I will be able to stand proud and show my family that I can live a productive life,” said 34-year old Donald Morton, just released from an eight-year prison sentence about two months ago. "This will be the first job that I have ever had. I hope to own my own brick masonry company.”

Goodwill’s program is even more critical to the reintegration process for people like Morton, given the closing of several vocational and adult centers in the District.

Robert Scott-El, 38, a native Washingtonian, said he became very upset when he witnessed the closing of the vocational and adult centers in the District.

"It seemed like the government did not want to give us a chance by shutting down those programs. Everywhere I went the companies told me there was no work. Do you know how it feels to be turned down from work because of the color of your skin? They lied and gave the jobs to the foreigners,” said Scott-El.

"We are not asking for handouts, affirmative action, special allowances. All we want is a fair chance to participate. Goodwill is schooling us with the techniques and skills we need to compete. Unfortunately, it is something the District government failed to do,” he continued.

According to Goodwill instructors, life skills training sessions are provided to help our clients maintain a positive outlook and build successful workplace relationships. Studies reveal that companies are more willing to hire and train employees who understand basic concepts such as time management, dependability, problem-solving and customer service. Through the use of field-tested resources, clients can develop the behavior, life management and interpersonal skills that enable them to become confident and productive members of their community.

One of Goodwill’s main partners is the National Capital Revitalization Corporation. "NCRC is committed to District residents,” said Senior Portfolio Manager Rose Lindsay. "We understand the importance of this program and the value it brings to the economic growth of the District. We recognized the fact that employment of District residents was not being taken care of with the enormous amount of construction in the city and Goodwill decided to step up.”

Industrial Bank is another partner in the Goodwill program. "The bank has been involved in community service programs for 72 years. Ensuring financial literacy and a viable workforce makes good sense business sense. We want them to become owners of their own business,” said Jeffrey Banks, vice president and business development manager.

Banks said in the next 10 years it is estimated there will be $15 billion in new construction in the Washington metropolitan area. "We want to make sure that local small disadvantaged business enterprises (LSDBE) have their own share. We are working vigilantly to increase the workforce to create entrepreneurs,” said Banks.

The program is designed to decrease the pressing need for skilled workers in the construction industry in the Washington metropolitan area. Partnering organizations represent employers, training specialists, and related service organizations such as Workforce Organizations for Regional Collaboration, Associated Builders and Contractors of Metro Washington, Industrial Bank, Miller and Long Construction, Rand Construction Company, Human Resource Association of the National Capitol Area, M.C. Dean, Inc., and Century Fence Construction.

*An accredited apprenticeship training, which includes:

• Basic Safety
• Introduction to Hand tools and Power Tools
• Introduction to Construction Math
• Introduction to Blueprint Reading
• Basic Rigging
• First Aid & CPR
• Construction Management courses with Community College credit
• On-site learning at construction sites
• Employability Skills Training
• Money Management
• Mentoring