ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — A building trades apprenticeship pilot program for Atlantic City residents recently wrapped up, and one of the graduates spoke with KYW Newsradio about his experience.
DeShawn Newby, 28, said he was tired of working in retail and dead-end jobs, so this opportunity was an “a-ha!” moment for him.
“I signed up for this because I wanted a different route in my life — to get into the construction business, to learn how to build and learn how to work with my hands,” he said.
“I felt like the positions I was in at the jobs I was in [were] keeping me at a low level, and I know I can reach high levels.”
Related
This program was a partnership between Atlantic City and Camden-based real estate developer The Michaels Organization to rebuild the Buzby Homes, a 126-unit affordable-housing complex — a $15.4-million job — and provide opportunity for residents.
One of Mayor Marty Small’s long-term goals has been getting more participation from residents on construction projects in the city and for them to make good money. This program was a good first step, he said.
Students obtained official construction certifications and credentials with which to build their resumes, including the OSHA-10 certification required by many employers, as certifications for fall protection, forklift operation, CPR, defibrillator use, and safety flagging.
“As a direct result, they have emerged stronger, wiser, and incredibly well-equipped to enter the workforce,” Small said. “I congratulate them on their vision and hard work, and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish in the future.”
Related
The program also provided coaching on how to put those resumes together, how to use them to search for jobs, and how to manage their personal finances.
“It’s unbelievable how much these students have learned and grown in just a few months,” said Nick Cangelosi, vice president of development at The Michaels Organization.
Newby landed a job as a laborer and said this is just the launchpad for him. He says his next goal is to land a more intensive plumbing apprenticeship. He says he recommends the building trades for anyone who wants better for themselves.
“I really recommended this for young people,” he said, “so they can attack their careers early and get on top of things early.”
Newby is one of three students to earn a full-time job through the program. A fourth earned a scholarship at Rowan University.
