July 12, 2010
Nation's Building News

The Official Online Newspaper of NAHB

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Home Builders Institute
Wisconsin Construction/Deconstruction Training Program Graduates 14
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Fourteen students recently graduated from Wisconsin's Construction/Deconstruction Employability Project for disadvantaged individuals.

On June 22, the Home Builders Institute (HBI), the workforce development arm of NAHB, graduated its first full class of students participating in the Wisconsin Community Services (WCS) Construction/Deconstruction Employability Project — a workforce pipeline for disadvantaged individuals that provides trainees hands-on construction/deconstruction experience and job skills.

Fourteen students graduated after completing a 12-week Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) program. They received multiple certifications, including Lead Safe Renovator, OSHA 10, OSHA Focus Four and Asbestos Supervisor. 

"The graduates of our program will receive an industry-validated and recognized pre-apprentice certificate," said John Cook, an HBI vocational instructor. "The PACT certification will open doors to meaningful, well-paying jobs, but more importantly, it will jump-start their careers for long-term employment in the home building, construction and deconstruction industries."

The project — a partnership between the WCS Workforce Development Division and HBI — provides economically disadvantaged individuals with hands-on training and job placement in the residential construction trades.  The goal of the funding for the program, designated for use with Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) ARRA projects in Milwaukee County, is to reduce poverty, revitalize low-income communities and empower low-income individuals and families to become self-sufficient. 

For more information, e-mail Nathan Kelly at HBI, or call him at 800-795-7955 x8936.

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