ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Development in Atlantic City has often been completed by contractors from outside the city. A new program announced by Mayor Marty Small, however, aims to teach young people from the city the skills they need to build a future for themselves.
The 12-week program will immerse the students in construction trades. Mayor Marty Small says they'll start off with general knowledge then pick a specialty like plumbing, carpentry, HVAC and other skilled trades.
"It's no excuse why our local people aren't getting a major piece of the pie. With announcements like this, that changes right here, right now," said Small.
"The days of outsiders getting all the work here in Atlantic City, the days of no minority participation, are over."
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The students will learn on the job during the construction of 126 affordable housing units in the Buzby development. The Michaels Organization, a real estate company, proposed this partnership and vice president Nick Cangelosi said he's proud to help advance education and create opportunities.
"We all agree about how powerful education is. In fact, we talked about it being the most empowering force in the world," said Cangelosi, "and this program, we're going to change the trajectory and help improve the lives of Atlantic City youth."
The goal is for each of the students to land permanent jobs upon completion of the 12-week program.
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