September 26, 2014
Contact: Jackie Hall, jhall@wdbscw.org or 608.249.9001
Foundational Construction Training Program Graduates Newest Class
MADISON—The local construction industry can turn to new talent for its available job openings as the Foundations for the Trades Academy graduated its newest cohort of students today. The program is one of the region’s workforce development initiatives that focuses on developing quality workers for apprenticeships and careers in the construction trades and utilities industry.
The program graduated eight participants in its most recent cohort during a morning ceremony at the Urban League of Greater Madison. The event welcomed the graduates and their families to celebrate their accomplishment in completing the 6-week accelerated training program that includes both industry-recognized classroom curriculum, apprenticeship exam preparation, work readiness training and hands-on work site experience. Program partners Operation Fresh Start, WorkSmart Network, Construction Training, Inc. START Program and Urban League of Greater Madison also invited regional construction trades and utilities employers to attend the graduation and participate in a job fair to meet and recruit the graduates for apprenticeships and available positions.
“We’re responding to the industry’s resounding need for more skilled workers with a quality training that really prepares workers to step into the industry. And it’s a win for the participants of the Academy as the training provides a bridge into an industry that has a range of in-demand occupations offering family-sustaining wages,” says Danica Nilsestuen, Director for Sector Development and Business Services for the Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin.
The Foundations for the Trades Academy is slated to run its fifth cohort in February 2015. For more information on the program and how to participate, visit http://wdbscw.org/industry-and-sectors/construction-trades-utilities/foundations-for-the-trades-academy/.
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