Imagine facing homelessness, unemployment, or uncertainty about your future. For many, these challenges can feel insurmountable. But through access to education, training, and unwavering support, transformation is possible. This is the mission behind the life-changing partnership between Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake and the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC)—a collaboration designed to equip individuals with skills in the building trades and empower them to turn their lives around.
A Path to New Beginnings
The Building Trades Program is more than just a training initiative; it’s a lifeline for individuals seeking stability and purpose. This program offers participants hands-on training in plumbing, electrical work, HVAC maintenance, and more. Through personalized guidance and skill development, the program helps individuals transition from challenging circumstances to sustainable careers.
Participants like Joseph Bumbray and Isaiah Lindsay are living proof of the program’s profound impact. Joseph, who was transitioning from homelessness, shared, “I was going through a period of great uncertainty, but this program gave me the direction and tools I needed to change my life.”
For Isaiah, his introduction to the Building Trades Program came from an ad his mother spotted on Facebook. “After high school, I felt lost—I couldn’t find a career path. This program helped me discover my love for trades and gave me skills that I can actually use.”
Their stories highlight not just the program’s professional training but its ability to inspire hope and a new sense of direction.
Skills That Change Lives
What sets this program apart is its comprehensive approach to education. Participants gain a well-rounded skillset that includes:
- Plumbing skills for residential and commercial applications.
- Electrical training to handle basic to intermediate tasks.
- HVAC maintenance knowledge, which is increasingly in demand in today’s job market.
- Broad exposure to building trades, including carpentry, interior, and exterior improvements.
With approximately 226 hours of training per cohort, students are provided with in-depth instruction and hands-on experiences that prepare them for the workforce. Goodwill’s Career Navigators and CCBC’s instructors work side by side to ensure every participant has the resources they need, meeting each individual where they are to set them up for success.
A Supportive Community
The heart of this program lies in the community it fosters. Goodwill and CCBC together create a nurturing environment where participants feel supported and encouraged. Dionne Biggers, a Goodwill Career Navigator, explains, “We meet students where they are and help them get to where they need to be. It’s about building a relationship and showing them their goals are achievable.”
This individualized support is vital. For students who may have faced barriers such as unemployment or underemployment, having someone to guide and believe in them can be empowering. Henry Plummer, a CCBC instructor, shares, “I build relationships with my students to show them their aspirations aren’t just dreams—they’re within reach with the right tools and effort.”
Stories of Transformation
Beyond training, this program is producing real results. Joseph Bumbray recently received a job offer that will change his life trajectory. He shared, “This program has not only taught me skills but has helped me improve my life circumstances. The job opportunity I’ve received is just the start of a brighter future.”
Meanwhile, Isaiah Lindsay is now pursuing a role in maintenance, hoping to work in apartment buildings or hospitals. “This program helped me find something I’m passionate about. It showed me I wasn’t limited in my options.”
Their journeys encapsulate the transformative power of this program and the ripple effect it creates—not only on the individuals it serves but also their families and communities.
The Bigger Picture
At its core, this program embodies Goodwill’s mission as a workforce development organization. With a commitment to providing education and opportunity, the Building Trades Program exemplifies the belief that everyone deserves a chance at a better future. Through partnerships like this one with CCBC, the program is changing lives, one career at a time.
Participants of the program have access to ongoing mentoring, industry certifications, and even opportunities for financial assistance. This level of care underscores the commitment to empowering individuals beyond just their time in the classroom.
Building a Better Tomorrow
The Building Trades Program is more than a vocational training initiative; it’s a launchpad for brighter futures and empowered communities. With its focus on real-world skills, supportive mentorship, and holistic transformation, the program is helping individuals turn their greatest challenges into meaningful opportunities.
If you or someone you know is ready to take the first step toward a skilled and stable career in the trades, reach out to Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake today, or fill out the form at the bottom of the program’s webpage. Transform your future, one skill at a time. If you are ready,
