Celebrating Success in the Tour of the Trades Pre-Apprenticeship

Get ready to be inspired! On June 24, we proudly celebrated the achievements of the largest SBTC pre-apprenticeship cohort yet as they graduated from our nine-week “Tour of the Trades” course! In this diverse group, we saw four languages represented, classes meeting both day and night, and a wide range of skill sets. Regardless of their starting point, however, each graduate progressed through this pre-apprenticeship with unwavering determination, showcasing their work ethic and skill throughout the program.

Through their hard work over recent months, they have now completed the first step towards rewarding careers in the skilled trades. From plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and more, they each have proven to themselves and prospective employers that they have what it takes to be successful in this field. Their futures are not just full, but bursting with promise and the opportunity to break through traditional barriers found in the skilled trades and forge their own path. Read on to see how this group learned, overcame, and succeeded in their efforts throughout the course!

Changing The Game

As Executive Director LaToya Faustin noted at the ceremony, SBTC has experienced extremely positive growth since its inception in 2019. So much so, that our pre-apprenticeship classes have gone from 15 graduates in March, to 46 in June! However, our philosophy has been evolving since the very beginning, allowing us to adapt to a changing world and changing needs.

When COVID-19 hit our communities, the world seemed to come to a stop. With female-dominated industries such as hospitality, service, and childcare being hit the hardest, many women were left in need of stable, lucrative jobs. Thankfully, one industry that kept moving was Construction. Recognizing this need, we altered our courses to cover a broader range of topics that could prepare our students for a varied array of careers, not limit them to one trade. With a condensed timeline, condensed curriculum, and a limitless approach, the Tour of the Trades pre-apprenticeship was born!

Moving away from a singular-trade focus, we now offer an introduction to various skilled trades, including carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, and painting. This transformative program has equipped our graduates with a diverse skill set, empowering them to explore numerous avenues within the Construction industry. 

Set-Up For Success

Throughout the nine-week journey, our graduates delved into a wide range of topics, gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience. The course was carefully designed to cover essential “soft” skills such as financial responsibility, emotional intelligence, and public speaking – skills that are invaluable in any profession, but particularly critical for minorities in the trades. These communication and interpersonal skills will set our graduates apart in their interactions with customers, colleagues, and superiors, fostering positive relationships and enhancing their professional growth.

On the technical side, our graduates honed their understanding of Construction basics. From mathematics and measurements to using an array of hand and power tools, they immersed themselves in the intricacies of the skilled trades. Additionally receiving hands-on training in commercial painting, plumbing, electrical, and carpentry, this comprehensive knowledge of various roles will prepare them to handle the diverse challenges that lie ahead in their careers.

Becoming Accessible

Moreover, our commitment to our graduates’ success goes beyond technical training. Recognizing the responsibilities and obstacles that may hinder personal growth, we sought to remove those barriers. The option for free childcare during class sessions eased the burden on working mothers, and weeknight meals provided sustenance and energy during rigorous learning sessions. Additionally, we were able to hold classes at four different locations and times, easing the transportation barrier that may have affected our graduates’ ability to learn with us.

In addition to these foundational skills and support, our graduates received training in First Aid and CPR alongside their OSHA-10 certification, further enhancing their qualifications and boosting their employability. Armed with these valuable certifications and a plethora of skills, they are now prepared to make their mark in the Construction industry.

Congratulations Graduates!

Now that they have reached the end of this journey, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to this graduating class of our Tour of the Trades pre-apprenticeship! Your dedication and pursuit of excellence has led you to the beginning of expansive opportunity within the skilled trades, and we commend your determination in overcoming the challenges presented by this program.

Moving into the next chapter of their lives, our graduates will be paving the way for empowered women and other minorities in the industry. As they step into the workforce, they do so with confidence, ready to take on new challenges and make a significant impact in their chosen trades.

Once again, we thank all of our graduates, staff, sponsors, and supporters for continuing to help make SBTC’s mission possible. As we work to foster confidence and courage in minority tradespeople, we further prove to our communities that it is United We Spark!