New Start Through Careers NOW – It Always Comes Back to the People

New Start Through Careers NOW – It Always Comes Back to the People

Our Careers NOW construction program has officially passed its one year mark and continues to be a growing and successful pathway for acquiring new skills and a fresh career in an ever-demanding industry.  30 students have graduated from the program so far, both men and women, with many hired by companies like JRJ Construction, Phoenix Construction, Schwob Building Co, and other electrical and plumbing companies for both commercial and residential construction.  Recently, welding was added to the training, giving students the opportunity to experience the welding trade first-hand.

For Brandi, a November 2018 graduate of the Careers NOW program, the hands-on training aspect was a highlight of the program.  She loved helping build classrooms for future Careers NOW students at Center of Hope’s new location, including hanging sheet rock, placing metal studs in concrete and hanging doors and lights.  Brandi was hired to work full-time for JRJ as an IT Cable Puller within their new JRJ Technologies department. What an accomplishment! She saw the Lord moving throughout her journey with Careers NOW and is forever grateful for the skills and especially the relationships she has gained through the class. Not only did Careers NOW teach her about construction and help her receive her OSHA-10 certification, she also has the continual support of her classmates and instructors.

“Volunteers and teachers are there to pour their personal time and knowledge into you. People are there to help you and do not even know who you are yet,” says Brandi.  “It’s not only about learning a new trade. It goes back to the people. You get more out of it than a new career.  I gained friends and met new people. The Center is always there if you have a personal or work-related issue. It always goes back to the people. They’re like mentors.  Someone will be there to help you fight through what that is.”

17 volunteers give of their time and expertise to equip our Careers NOW students, offering years of experience and knowledge from their careers within the construction industry, including an electrician, craftsman, welder, engineer, business owners, fire marshal, U.S. Government Construction Program Manager and more. Others share from other unique gifting and experience to help train through mock interviews, resume building, life coaching, work ethic and guidance.  The commitment and service of these volunteer instructors and mentors make it possible for students like Brandi to have the opportunity she has today.

“It’s nice to belong to something. To feel like you are a part,” says Brandi. “Nothing is bigger than God. There’s a reason for everything. Three of us had jobs when we started the class, but others had nothing but walked out with something. We walked in with something and walked out with more.”

Learn more at www.careersnowtx.com.

 

 

 

 

 

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