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Featured
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New Program Draws Diverse Group Committed
To Beginning Careers In Construction
 There was a time when it was considered man's work. Nowadays,
anyone interested in pursuing a career in construction can make
that choice.
Indeed, the construction industry is changing. Evidence of that
was apparent recently when dozens of residents interested in pursuing
careers in construction met at Wheeler Creek's Community Center
to vie for admittance into a new construction training program.
The diverse group were introduced to a little bit of what they
can expect during the 12-week training program that is being administered
by the Wheeler Creek Community Development Corporation (WCCDC)
and the Chicago-based OAI, Inc. Candidates for the inaugural class
of the Minority Workers Training (MWT) Program participated in
fitness regiments and classroom studies, including mathematical
instruction and job preparedness.
 "We were very pleased with the resident response to the
program," said WCCDC Executive Director Dr. Bessie E. Swann.
"Much of that was due to the fact that we met with various
community organizations and advocates prior to commencing the
selection process in an effort to introduce them to the benefits
of the program. As a result, we were able to draw a diverse group
of candidates interested in pursuing careers in construction."
Those local residents selected to participate in the initial
training will be provided instruction in hazardous waste operations
and emergency response, mold removal, confined space entry, lead
abatement (worker and supervisor), asbestos abatement (worker
and supervisor), DOT HM 181 and HAZWOPER Yearly Refresher as well
as pre-apprentice construction skills training.
 The program, which is the first of its kind initiated in the
area, is funded through the National Institute of Environmental
Health Sciences. The purpose of the five-year program, said Mr.
Greg Smith, of OAI, Inc. is simple. "This program is geared
toward changing peoples lives," he said, during one of the
community outreach meetings.
As part of the program, residents will be able to apply to participate
in the program during the admission process.
To
get information about applying for entry into the program, call
Mr. Michael Clarke at WCCDC at (202) 574-1508.
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