Project GUIDE: Geared to Understanding and Identifying Desired Employment
By Patty McDonald
On June 10th, 2024, a group of 13 young adults started an 8-week program designed to prepare them to join the workforce. Project Guide, originally launched by Empowered to Live in 2021, aims at assisting young adults prepare for employment in the construction industry and access a career pathway leading to a self-sustaining wage.
This year’s cohort is currently supported through a partnership of community organizations carrying that mission forward. Frederick County Builders Industry Association, I Believe in Me, Frederick Community College, Frederick County Workforce Servies, and Goodwill Industries all collaborating to offer this group and opportunity to build work readiness skills, confidence, and technical skills to start a career in the trades industry. The group will participate in a comprehensive training each week through the summer covering foundational skills needed for the construction industry. The students will participate in curriculum covering topics including basic safety, OSHA-10, Forklift operation, material handling, financial literacy, career mapping and job searching, communication and leadership development. Over the course of the program, students will have exposure to local businesses to build their knowledge of careers and opportunities in the local community.
A crucial part of helping this group of young adults is providing an industry connection and an opportunity to put all they’ve learned into practice. We need your help! Here are a couple ways to participate in building our local workforce.
Join a class and provide industry discussion and insight in July
Sponsor a lunch for the students
Provide a temporary work experience (120 hours) at your business beginning in August
Contact Patty McDonald for more information about this exciting program.