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New Training Center Opens for People With Disabilities
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Home Builders Institute students put the finishing touches on the new Project HOPE-DAC training center in Columbia, S.C. | Home Builders Institute (HBI), the workforce development arm of the NAHB, and South Carolina’s largest center for independent living — The Disability Action Center (DAC) — last month held an open house for a new training center that helps prepare people with disabilities for jobs in the residential construction industry in Columbia, S.C.
The training center for skilled trades is offering HBI’s Project HOPE training through a three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Projects With Industry (PWI) program, under the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
Project HOPE (Home Building Opportunities for Positive Employment) provides people with disabilities with intensive training and employment and related services to connect them with jobs in the home building industry.
Project HOPE students converted a former transmission repair shop into the 1,600-square-foot DAC training facility. The open house was held Sept. 19.
“The focus of the partnership is to help our citizens with disabilities access high-quality employment through strong business and industry linkages,” said Stephen Maglione, DAC executive director. “We intend to create a seamless project system that will provide individuals with access to job openings and referral to training, retraining and career advancement opportunities.”
Project HOPE offers students two courses exploring the array of careers in the home building industry:
- A one-week “Careers in Residential Construction Industry” class examines multiple career options, reviews employer expectations and industry standards, develops employability plans and provides job placement assistance.
- A 12-week “Pre-Apprenticeship Training Certificate” (PACT) course offers instruction in safety; tool identification and use; theory; math; plan reading; and basic plumbing, carpentry and electrical skills. Students who complete the program receive industry-recognized certification.
In addition students receive “hands on” training at several community projects, including the Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia’s Builders’ Care House.
Sara Snell, representing Sen. Lindsey Graham (R.-S.C.) and Mike Lowman, president of the Greater Columbia buiders association, attended the open house.
For more information on Project HOPE, e-mail Dennis Torbett at HBI, or call him at 800-795-7955 x8908.
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