Generation has launched a new construction employment program with the support of the Wilmington Leaders Alliance (WLA), the Associated Builders and Contractors — Delaware Chapter (ABC), and Williamson College of the Trades, Media, PA.
Designed for unemployed youth and adults interested in construction careers, the five-week Pre-Apprentice Construction Helper program is free for students will include hands-on training sessions hosted by the Williamson College of the Trades. Graduates will earn their OSHA 10-hour certification and pass the NCCER core curriculum, then interview for jobs with local construction companies.
“Generation is thrilled to expand our program offerings in the Wilmington community,” said Generation USA COO Sean Segal. “Wilmington is poised for growth in the construction sector and employers need skilled workers on their job sites. Generation trains our students quickly and thoroughly so that they come to the job prepared with the technical skills and positive attitude that will help them succeed on day one.”
The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that job openings for construction helpers will grow by 12 percent through the year 2026. In Wilmington, the demand for construction helpers with training and certification exceeds the number of qualified applicants and it can take more than a month for local employers to fill construction helper positions.
“We are pleased to join with Generation and Wilmington Leaders Alliance for this much-needed program in Wilmington,” said ABC Delaware President Edward J. Capodanno. “The construction industry is the backbone of a healthy economic development plan. According to the Department of Labor, construction will be the third largest growth area in the next five years. Construction of buildings to house industries that will keep Delaware at the forefront requires skilled craftspeople in all trades. This new program using construction curriculum from the National Center for Construction Education and Research is the first step in helping people prepare for rewarding careers in construction which benefits them and their families as well as the state of Delaware.”
The first cohort of students began class on May 28. Sessions focused on safety, professionalism, and effective communication will take place at the Associated Builders and Contractors office. Throughout the five-week course, students will also attend hands-on training sessions on the Williamson College of the Trades campus, where they will gain direct experience using hand and power tools that are used on construction sites.
“Since its inception in 1888, Williamson College of the Trades has been steadfast in our mission of developing skilled professionals within the trades and community leaders,” said Williamson College of the Trades Chief of Staff Dr. Todd Zachary. “We are absolutely thrilled to lend our support and expertise to the Generation and WLA team in bringing this ground-breaking program to the Wilmington area. This is a perfect example of how organizations and individuals can work synergistically together to help others achieve a better future.”
Generation has worked with Wilmington employers and partners since 2015. In addition to the Pre-Apprentice Construction Helper program, Generation offers a Universal Banker program in Wilmington, also supported by the WLA.
Students interested in applying for the Pre-Apprentice Construction Helper program can go to usa.generation.org/wilmington/construction. To learn more about Generation in Wilmington, visitusa.generation.org/wilmington.
Generation is a youth employment nonprofit with a dual mission to empower young people to build thriving, sustainable careers and to provide employers the highly skilled, motivated talent they need. Today, more than 27,000 young adults have graduated from the Generation program, which prepares young adults for careers in nearly 100 cities and 250 locations across eleven countries. The organization was founded as an independent nonprofit by McKinsey & Company in 2014. See usa.generation.org for more information.
