Pathways to Prosperity is a construction training project that provides educational services, job training, case management, and supports for transition to postsecondary education and jobs for young adults with barriers to employment in Vance County, NC. The program offers three integrated components: high school equivalency preparation (30%), occupational training including the Home Builder’s Institute Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (HBI-PACT) and OSHA10 safety credential (50%), and construction work-based learning (20%). In addition to academic and occupational training, participants receive leadership training and life skills training such as community involvement, family and personal relationships, financial literacy education, communication skills, and problem-solving skills. Case managers are available throughout the project to support and assist young adults. The Working Smart soft skills job readiness curriculum for student credentialing is also utilized. Staff work closely with participants to address needs and barriers, provide support, and ensure they meet their goals while making educational progress.
The program serves disconnected young adults ages 16 to 24 who meet the WIOA Title I Out-of-School target populations, especially those who have come to the attention of the justice system, are members of low income households, or have not attained a high school diploma or equivalency and are not currently attending public school.
The Construction Pathway to Prosperity project mirrors the United States Department of Labor YouthBuild model, a tried and true model that incorporates work, education, and community service.
Participants receive a stipend of up to $50 per week based on 85% attendance rate. Additional incentives are provided for credential attainment, and each individual will be given a laptop computer upon program completion. Classes meet approximately 30 hours per week for 32 weeks for academic and occupational training as well as on-
the-job training. An additional four hours per week is spent in leadership and community service activities. The cohort of attendees will be provided up to 3 months of follow-up services upon completion of the classroom component as part of the project cycle. Work Experience activities occur both during the project and after the classes are completed.
