On June 25, eight residents proudly graduated from CORE Academy’s workforce development program for maintenance technicians – with shining smiles and certificates in hand. The celebration marked a major step forward in their journeys toward fulfilling their career goals.
For participants like David, the training was a bridge to security.
“The training really helped me get a feel for what I’ll experience when I’m finally in the industry,” he said. “I’m new to this and I know I have a lot to learn, but getting hands-on practice will help me stand out.”
The group attended a rigorous six-day course on the ins and outs of maintenance work that included hands on training for disassembling a toilet, patching up drywall and replacing a faucet. The training was dense – packed with technical details and physical demands. But David said the CORE Academy training team made it digestible and enjoyable.
For fellow graduate Divoughn, the certificate will help him accomplish his goal of being part of National CORE’s growing workforce.
“I want to be able to say that I love my job and I know that I would have that at National CORE, and it is where I want to be,” he said. “This certificate means something and I’m going to hang it up.”
A collaboration with affordable housing developer National CORE, the dynamic CORE Academy program launched in 2022. It is led by National CORE’s Director of Learning and Development Angel Rogers.
The program is currently expanding to include tracks in hospitality and internships in marketing and digital tech, creating multiple pathways to entry-level careers in high-demand fields.
Congratulations, grads!