It’s About Jobs and Education!

Mount Vernon seeks recruits for construction trades program

MOUNT VERNON — Mayor Richard Thomas and the Guidance Center of Westchester are seeking participants in a free construction-trades-training program funded by the City.

Mount Vernon has awarded a $112,000 grant to the Guidance Center for free construction-trades training to 40 low-income City residents, many of whom are considered disconnected or currently unemployed. The participants will receive job skills training and career development they need to compete for and maintain employment in the construction industry.

“This is about jobs and education,” Mayor Richard Thomas said on Friday. “The vision was to prepare the next generation of workers to get a good job, a quality job with dignity and respect.”

Mayor Thomas and officials from the Guidance Center gathered at the site of the new 14th Avenue Bridge, where construction is almost completed. The planned reconstruction of several more bridges in Mount Vernon is an opportunity for graduates from the new construction-trades program, said Mayor Thomas.

“This one behind me employed 50 people for a year and a half. The salary ranged from $80,000 to upwards of $200,000. We’ve got five more bridges to replace,” said Mayor Thomas.

At the completion of the three weeks of training, participants will be prepared for careers in the construction industry ranging from basic laborer, porter, apprenticeships for trade unions, green technology employment and viable career pathways in energy efficiency fields such as energy auditing, weatherization, and inspections.

The Guidance Center will recruit high school students, young adults, the homeless and adults who are interested in working in the construction industry. The program curriculum is employer-driven so that graduates will receive certifications and credentials that meet the critical need for entry-level positions or apprenticeships as per the employer’s requests.

The next free training sessions are in July and September. Applicants must be Mount Vernon residents and at least 17 years old with a GED/HSE or a high school diploma. Applicants must also have reliable transportation to class and work.

Prospective applicants to the construction-trades-training program should apply online at bit.ly/CCCTraining1

For more information call FutureWorks at 914–613–0700 x7093.