1. Delivering industry based trades training leading to life-long careers
Industry based trades training is led by experienced craftsmen who provide hands-on training based on a standardized program. Each trainer has at least journeymen level experience in their field and is committed to teaching the basic skills needed to the trainees.
Training classes are offered in accordance with the needs of the individuals and allow each person to maintain viable employment during the training period. Currently, classes are offered in the evenings at our training facility and take 12 to 15 months to complete.
Industry based trades training equips the people we serve who are unemployed or underemployed to begin viable vocational careers leading to self-sufficiency and stability. Without this training, there is little hope for them to gain life-long career opportunities.
The cost of this training and the provision of skilled trainers are funded through individual donors, institutional contributors, fundraising events, volunteer services, and other sources such as in-kind donations of materials and equipment.
2. Creating mentorship initiatives to enhance life and employability skills
As a part of our regular training, we provide both formal and informal mentoring initiatives. Each person we serve is paired with a local volunteer who offers insights on various key soft skills, such as responsibility and dependability, as well as provides an additional source of friendship and networking.
Formal mentorship occurs over a period of approximately 12 to 15 weeks of each training program. Once the formal soft skills initiative ends, volunteers and trainees are given the tools to continue their mentoring relationship outside of the bounds of the formal program.
Mentorship not only benefits the mentee, but also provides cultural education and awareness to the volunteers. A key aspect of our purpose is to provide opportunities for people who would not normally interact due to geographic or cultural differences to come together in multicultural friendships.
Mentorship is an important aspect of ensuring the long-term impact of our service to the underemployed and disadvantaged. For this reason, a substantial portion of the program is designed to allow for this interaction between trainees and volunteer mentors.
3. Enhancing leadership development through training and workshops
Leadership development training and specialized workshops are led by subject matter experts who provide a sense of hope and dignity through leadership talks and expert-led workshops in specific areas such as basic financial management and entrepreneurship.
These special meetings are offered approximately every six weeks. They are made available to all trainees and give them the opportunity to hear relevant success stories, to increase their commitment to training, and to acquire new skills that will ensure their long-term success as individuals.
Access to leadership development training enhances the life and employability skills of the people we serve. They not only are exposed to key skills they need for sustainable careers, but they also acquire practical tools that will help them to be successful and viable citizens.
Leadership development is a key aspect of our service, we spend a substantial amount of our time developing and providing these activities. The cost of workshops and specialized training are offset by the donation of time and services by our subject matter experts.
4. Providing career placement and job readiness for long term employment
Career placement and job readiness services are provided through our staff and volunteers. In addition, specific activities such as resume building, job recommendations, and ongoing career support are supplemented by our partnerships with other service organizations.
Career services is an ongoing activity which is dependent on each individual’s needs and current situation. Our staff provides the recommendations and support needed to ensure that our clients are given the highest possible probability of gaining a career position upon completion of their training with Tekton.
Career placement is a key end goal of all of our activities. It is by long-term employment that the people we serve are able to gain economic stability. In addition, this empowers them to move from being unemployed or disadvantaged to begin to help others in their own community moved toward dignity and stability.
Because career placement is an ongoing process, we allocate time and resources to this activity on a regular basis. It is not necessarily the most time consuming aspect of our activities, but it is key to ensuring the long-term impact of our efforts to equip and empower the people we serve.