Construction Training Program Gives San Leandro Men Fresh Start

SAN LEANDRO, CA — Jan Michael Ayon of San Leandro came across a program while browsing Facebook that sounded too good to be true. It was a free construction training program offered by the Associated Builders and Contractors of Northern California and the Salvation Army.

The program offered Ayon a chance to develop his interest in carpentry into a lucrative career. He applied for the program and was accepted. Last Friday, he graduated.

“The time I spent with the Construction Leadership Program was a huge investment in myself for my long-term career in construction and carpentry,” said Ayon. “For me, carpentry was a hobby but even with no professional experience in the trade — I graduated with the proper certificates and training I need to be employable. Now, I look forward to applying to construction companies and apprenticeship programs to improve my craft.”

The Construction Leadership Program is a partnership between Associated Builders and Contractors of Northern California and the Salvation Army Alameda County. The idea was to provide transformational skills for people who have completed recovery or homeless programs, or a stint in jail.

The Construction Leadership Training is a two-week program producing job opportunities for East Bay residents.

Each student is given the choice to become an expert of a vocation within the construction industry to help achieve their career dreams by receiving priority entry into ABC NorCal’s Apprenticeship Programs, placed directly with partner East Bay contractors to begin working right out of the program at a livable wage, or are assisted in finding employment through job fairs.

“Careers in construction trades are well-paid, transferable to all parts of the country, and in high demand for employers everywhere. The Construction Leadership program we are offering in partnership with the Salvation Army presents a great opportunity for Bay Area individuals looking for a fresh restart for a comfortable new life path,” said Nicole Goehring of ABC NorCal. “We understand that the individuals we serve have experienced unfortunate circumstances, so we applaud them for their commitment to creating a better future for themselves and their families, and we are prepared to help them as much as we can become successful.”

In addition to job training, individuals attend a one week soft-skills course with The Salvation Army covering job readiness training. Participants receive help writing their resumes and cover letters, plus they are given interview preparation and dress for success tips.

“We are proud of the students that make it through the program with a strong will to change their future for the better. They are a constant reminder and inspiration of why we partner with ABC Northern California to host the Construction Leadership Program,” said Major James Sullivan of The Salvation Army Alameda County. “Welcoming a change to your life is not easy, which is why we do what we can to support all participants to help them realize their dreams for stable and advantageous careers.”

With classes in electrical work, students receive electrician trainee cards, OSHA 10 certification, a Construction Training Card, boots, tools and a tool belt to be ready to walk on to a construction site.

Anyone who wants to gain new skills in construction is welcome to apply online for pre-apprentice and apprentice programs.

For the seventh straight year, skilled trades remain the hardest jobs to fill with more than 500,000 skilled construction workers needed, according to Build Your Future. ABC NorCal represents nearly 500 companies, both large and small, across Northern California.

ABC NorCal has trained over 1,800 state and federally approved apprentices, journey workers, and craft trainees each year for the past 45 years.