In today’s competitive job market, it’s crucial to equip young adults with the skills and knowledge necessary to embark on successful career paths. Recognizing the importance of trade jobs and the need for skilled workers, Boer Brothers Heating and Cooling proudly participates in the most recent Summer Careers Academy event. This event centered around the program “Building Our Future,” a pre-apprenticeship initiative designed to introduce young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 to various trade jobs, including construction and HVAC. The program offers on-the-job training and provides participants with essential tools, clothing, and financial support to ensure their success.
Empowering Young Adults through Trade Education
The Summer Careers Academy’s “Building Our Future” program aims to bridge the skills gap in the trade industry by providing comprehensive training to young adults. By focusing on trades like construction and HVAC, the program offers participants a unique opportunity to explore these fields firsthand and develop valuable hands-on skills.
Curriculum
The NCCER curriculum serves as a rigorous and competency-based framework that aligns with industry standards. By utilizing this curriculum, the program ensures that participants receive high-quality instruction and hands-on training that prepares them for successful careers in the skilled trades.
The NCCER curriculum covers a range of occupations within the trade industry, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, masonry, and heating and air conditioning. By exposing participants to diverse skills and trades, the program broadens their horizons and allows them to explore different career paths within the industry.
One of the strengths of the NCCER curriculum lies in its industry recognition. By following this curriculum, participants acquire knowledge and skills that are highly valued by employers. This industry recognition enhances their employability and opens doors to further career development opportunities.
Paid On-the-Job Training
One of the standout features of the program is the inclusion of paid on-the-job training. Participants receive a competitive hourly wage of $12.56, enabling them to earn while they learn. This aspect not only makes the program more accessible but also instills a sense of responsibility and commitment among the participants.
Providing Essential Tools and Clothing
Understanding the financial challenges that young adults often face, the Summer Careers Academy goes the extra mile by equipping each participant with the necessary tools and clothing required for their chosen trade. This provision eliminates a major obstacle many individuals encounter when first entering the workforce, ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed.
Supporting Participants
Recognizing that adequate nutrition and transportation are essential for participants’ success, the program offers additional support in the form of gift cards for meals and gas. This support is crucial, particularly for those who may face financial constraints. By addressing these basic needs, the Summer Careers Academy empowers participants to focus on their training and personal growth without the added stress of financial burdens.
Inclusivity is a key aspect of the Summer Careers Academy. For participants who do not have access to personal transportation, the program provides transit options, ensuring that no one is left out of this opportunity. By offering accessible transportation, the program facilitates equal opportunities for all participants, regardless of their circumstances.
The Impact and Future Prospects
The Summer Careers Academy’s “Building Our Future” program has already significantly impacted the lives of young adults seeking a promising career path. The program equips participants with the skills and confidence necessary to succeed in the trade industry by offering comprehensive trade education, paid on-the-job training, and essential resources.
Participants emerge from the program with newfound knowledge, practical experience, and a valuable network of industry professionals. The “Building Our Future” program acts as a stepping stone, opening doors to apprenticeships, higher-level training, and long-term employment opportunities.
Community Support
The success of the “Building Our Future” skilled trades Pre-Apprenticeship program is made possible through the generous contributions of several key organizations and individuals who recognize the importance of investing in the future workforce. These contributions provide the necessary resources to support and sustain the program, ensuring its continued impact on young adults’ lives.
The Founding Funders, the NC Education and Innovation Workforce Commission, and The William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust. Their visionary support and commitment to education and workforce development have laid the foundation for the “Building Our Future” program’s growth and success.
In addition to the Founding Funders, financial contributions from companies like Marcoplos Construction and Leon Meyers have played a crucial role in the program’s implementation. These financial contributors have recognized the value of investing in the next generation of skilled tradespeople and have stepped forward to make a difference in the lives of young adults.
Furthermore, the program receives contributions from several organizations that have gone above and beyond to support its mission. Companies such as 84 Lumber, Chapel Hill Transit, Fitch Lumber, Professional Builders Supply, BuildersFirst Source, and Talbert Building Supply have generously provided resources, materials, and transportation options to ensure the smooth functioning of the program.
Through the collective efforts of these Founding Funders, financial contributors, and in-kind contributors, the “Building Our Future” program can create opportunities and empower young adults to pursue careers in the skilled trades. Their support demonstrates a shared commitment to preparing the next generation for success and building a strong workforce for the future.
The Summer Careers Academy’s “Building Our Future” program provides opportunities for young adults seeking meaningful careers in the trade industry. By providing hands-on training, paid on-the-job experience, essential resources, and accessible transit options, the program empowers participants and equips them with the tools they need to succeed. We can nurture the next generation of skilled workers through initiatives like these and build a stronger future for all.
If you would like to support this worthy program, then contact the Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange, and Chatham Counties (HBA DOC) CEO, Holly Fraccaro at (919) 265-9350 (m), who serves as the managing director, or make an online financial contribution at HBA DOC Foundation.