Recruiting Begins for Our 10th Deconstruction Job Training Class!

 

The Mayor's Office of Employment Development (MOED) has begun recruiting for our 10th deconstruction training class, to begin later in November. The program, a longtime collaboration between Second Chance and MOED, provides training in marketable, "green economy" job skills to those with significant barriers to employment, including poverty, prior incarcerations and plain old bad luck.

 

"We are proud of the strong and mutually productive partnership MOED has developed with Second Chance," said MOED's Development Director Karen Sitnick. "The company's vision to provide opportunities for Baltimore residents to learn skills in deconstruction that lead to employment and the chance to build careers is perfectly aligned with our goal to help our job seekers gain a competitive edge in the labor market and secure good jobs with good wages."

 

The program has a history of achieving excellent outcomes. During the past five years, 100% of deconstruction trainees earned their OSHA 10 certifications; 95% of trainees earned their Certificates of Completion; 100% of program graduates found full-time employment at Second Chance after the program; and 80% of program graduates remained employed with us or  another employer for at least 12 months.

 

Second Chance utilizes the training program to deconstruct houses and other buildings and salvage the materials, appliances, furniture and fixtures for resale at our retail center in downtown Baltimore. We were a pioneer in deconstruction when we introduced our training program in 2003 during a dynamic period in the development of "green" building standards and techniques. Now, we've expanded our deconstruction crews from four to 50 people and "unbuild" otherwise landfill-bound structures throughout the Mid-Atlantic and beyond.

 

"A 'green' training program for those with employment challenges is a natural fit for us," said Second Chance President and Founder Mark Foster. "We believe in giving materials and especially people a second chance." 

 

The paid 20-week Deconstruction Training Program incorporates both classroom learning and on-the-job experience. Participants are trained in deconstruction tools and techniques as well as the "soft skills" that help them to manage their professional and personal lives. They also receive certifications in safety protocols, including OSHA 10 (US Occupational Safety and Health Administration), a must for those in the construction trades.

 

A number of corporations, including BB&T, PNC and Wells Fargo, have also provided generous financial support for the 2014/15 training class.  In addition to providing a portion of the funding, MOED identifies qualified candidates who could benefit from the program. For more information or to apply for the training class, contact either their Eastside or Northwest One-Stop Career Center.

  

In this season of Thanksgiving, we are all grateful that you continue to change lives--like those of these incoming trainees--by shopping, donating, volunteering, embracing deconstruction, and spreading the word! 
-Your Second Chance Team