Quick Start – Class 4!
For many, finding meaningful employment eases the necessity of work. Quick Start to Construction provides this opportunity for those facing adversity such as previous incarceration, substance abuse, or chronic unemployment. Through a four-week program, participants receive the tools to overcome these obstacles and obtain meaningful work.
In June, the Quick Start to Construction Program graduated its 4th cohort of students, and their lives are now headed towards success. Today, the 5th class starts!
In collaboration with REAL LIFE and CARITAS Works, with support from Virginia Commonwealth University, the program follows the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) curriculum, one that is used in many apprenticeship training programs.
Through a partnership with Allan Myers, additional classes and certifications are included, such as Construction Drawings, Construction Math, OSHA-10, CPR/AED/First Aid, and VDOT MOT/Basic Flagging.
Some participants of the 4th class weren’t entirely sure what to expect going into the program. Before Wendell graduated, he “thought it was just dealing with dirt,” but instead discovered it leads to “a better life than what we had before the program.”
A few graduates were able to build upon their previous knowledge. Kristyn, who completed the program, “learned and re-learned some of the most critical components in the 4 weeks,” creating a more stable ground for future endeavors.
The approach of the program brought together “recovery and the work, skills and instruction,” needed to “connect all the dots for us to be valuable citizens,” as Marco, another graduate explained.
Leander noted that “there have been some hard days, but we all grew,” not only that “but I was taught how.”
Throughout the course of Quick Start, much was learned besides construction. Angelo indicated that he not only gained job skills, but also life skills that will help him continue to be a “productive person in the community.”
These skills translated into growth, hope, and direction—a sense of pride and purpose. Mike shared that this was his first time graduating “from anything,” and the experience was “special.”
Despite the professional skills and training received, the greatest accomplishment was found in the unity of the group and the chance at not just meaningful employment, but purpose in life.
One graduate, Linwood, “felt like a family member through it,” and recognized the program “taught [him] the values of life.”
We would like to congratulate the graduates—this was no easy feat. They now have the tools to find meaningful work and achieve a thriving life! We believe in you!
We cannot wait to see what class 5 accomplishes!