FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contacts:
Mark S. Foster, President & Founder, Second Chance, Inc.
Mark@secondchanceinc.org
410-385-9992

Brice Freeman
bfreeman@oedworks.com
410-396-1910

Recruiting Begins for Second Chance’s Tenth Deconstruction Training Class

Baltimore, MD – November 18, 2014 – The Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED) is currently recruiting for Second Chance’s tenth deconstruction training class, to begin later in November. The program, a longtime collaboration between Second Chance and MOED, provides training in marketable, “green economy” job skills to those with significant barriers to employment.

“We are proud of the strong and mutually productive partnership MOED has developed with Second Chance,” said Mayor's Office of Employment Development Director Karen Sitnick. "The company's vision to provide opportunities for Baltimore residents to learn skills in deconstruction that lead to employment and the chance to build careers is perfectly aligned with our goal to help our job seekers gain a competitive edge in the labor market and secure good jobs with good wages."

The program has a history of achieving excellent outcomes. During the past five years, 100% of deconstruction trainees earned their OSHA 10 certifications; 95% of trainees earned their Certificates of Completion; 100% of program graduates found full-time employment at Second Chance after the program; and 80% of program graduates remained employed at Second Chance or with another employer for at least 12 months.

Second Chance utilizes the training program to deconstruct houses and other buildings and salvage the materials, appliances, furniture and fixtures for resale at its warehouse store in downtown Baltimore. Second Chance, a pioneer in deconstruction when it introduced its training program in 2003 during a dynamic period in the development of “green” building standards and techniques, has grown its deconstruction crew from four to 50 people.

“A ‘green’ training program for those with employment challenges is a natural fit for us,” said Second Chance President and Founder Mark Foster. “We believe in giving materials and especially people a second chance.” 

The 20-week Deconstruction Training Program incorporates both classroom learning and on-the-job experience. Participants are trained in deconstruction tools and techniques as well as the “soft skills” that help them to manage their professional and personal lives. They also receive certifications in safety protocols, including OSHA 10 (US Occupational Safety and Health Administration), a must for those in the construction trades.

In addition to providing a portion of the funding, MOED identifies qualified candidates who could benefit from the program. The program targets city residents who face significant barriers to employment, including prior incarcerations, unemployment, low income and structural racism.

A number of corporations, including BB&T, PNC and Wells Fargo, have also provided generous financial support for the 2014/15 training class.

Paying a living wage is an essential element of the program. “The population we serve is unemployed. Offering them full-time, paid employment throughout the training program reduces the likelihood of recidivism; provides them with an employment history; and helps them to support themselves and their families. Additionally, they gain the life skills and work habits necessary to meet 21^st century job readiness standards, as established by the Baltimore Workforce Investment Board,” said Foster.

For more information about the deconstruction training class, contact one of MOED’s two One-Stop Career Centers:

Eastside                                                          
One-Stop Career Center
3001 E. Madison Street
Baltimore, MD 21205
410-396-9030
 

Northwest
One-Stop Career Center
2401 Liberty Heights Avenue
Mondawmin Mall – Suite 302
Baltimore, MD 21215
410-396-1060

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