No! We welcome D.C. and Maryland residents into the program

To provide women, men, minorities, and discouraged workers with the tools, skills, and training in the building trades and construction industry that lead to meaningful career opportunities.

The applicant must/be:

•  unemployed or underemployed

• 18 and over

• have a Valid Driver's License

• be able to pass a drug screening

• have a HS Diploma or GED

• Express a genuine interest in the trades

We will offer travel support to those who demonstrate a need.

Our training site is located in Southeast DC. We offer hybrid learning and some of our sessions will be offered virtually. You will need access to the internet and a reliable computer/laptop.

At this time, we do not provide laptops for participant use. You will need to secure a reliable internet connection and laptop before program acceptance is approved.

We do not recommend you use your phone for Fresh Start Project programming.

Job placement support is an important component of our 8- week program. However, jobs or apprenticeship placements are not guaranteed. During our program, we work closely with you teaching job search strategies, connecting you with trades professionals and assisting you with the completion of applications.

You will be required, with our assistance, to find your own job based on the teachings and support we will provide.

A job is not guaranteed. We are in partnership with you and will assist you with job placement. Ultimately, it is your decision and hard work that moves you towards a successful placement.

We look forward to providing you the tools and training that will put you on the right path to success!

Yes! If accepted into the program, you will earn several industry-recognized certifications that will make you more marketable when applying for jobs or apprenticeship programs in the construction industry. Some of the certifications we offer include OSHA 10, Flagger and CPR.

Case management is another vital component to our program. We provide individualized case management to all participants during and after the program to ensure your needs are met and retention on your new job.

Yes! That’s a part of the Fresh Start difference. We believe in supporting the whole person and working through not just your career interests but helping you to focus on what matters personally. We work on an individual basis to accomplish this goal. Some key areas of focus are life skills, technology training, healthy eating & physical fitness, financial management, mental wellness and so much more!

Our 8 week training offers the participant a learning environment where they will gain a general overview and foundational understanding of what is required to work in the building trades and construction industry. During the 8 weeks, we offer small group training that focuses on the basic skills related to the industry.

We give an introduction of the overall industry and several trades. We do not focus on one specific trade. It takes longer than 8 weeks to become skilled or fully certified as a trades worker.

We hope you choose to finish what you started and remain enrolled in the Fresh Start Project training program. We believe strongly in how helpful this program can be to those seeking a new career in the trades and want to help you along the way.

The class size is less than 15 people. We intentionally keep our classes small to enhance the learning experience, create better environments for our participants to openly share, ask questions and engage with facilitators and one another.

There is no cost to participants accepted into the program

We want you to be fully invested once you are accepted and make the commitment to join our program. We believe in the work we do to help people like you connect with and develop meaningful opportunities in the way you decide to live and work.

To answer your question, you will learn new skills that can be used right away in our industry and you will connect with resources and individuals who will help you along your journey of securing full time, family sustaining work opportunities.