This Golden LEAF grant will support the Kimmel School Construction Training Program at Western Carolina University. The program will help local contractors that rely on local high schools for their workforce by introducing economically challenged high school students to potential careers in the construction industry. Sixty participants will receive team building and leadership training, complete a Contren Learning module (Basic Crew leadership), and earn a 10-hour OSHA Safety certification. The skills learned will prepare participants to make career decisions to determine if they want to begin a construction career and, if so, whether to begin after high school graduation or pursue further education in construction trades.
