Baltimore nonprofit organizations collaborate to offer free workforce training
Two Baltimore nonprofits, Helping Up Mission and NCIA, are partnering to help residents overcome barriers and achieve long-term stability through free workforce training programs.
Allen Wilson, a graduate of Helping Up Mission and NCIA's vocational training center, is now operating one of the buses he learned to drive while earning his commercial driver's license last year at NCIA's facility on S. Central Avenue in Baltimore.
"What I like about driving a bus, it gives me a chance to connect with people," Wilson said.
Wilson was in recovery at Helping Up Mission when he learned about NCIA's workforce development program.
"It was amazing because I kind of lost everything," Wilson said.
NCIA offers a 17-week workforce development program that includes automotive repair, HVAC, and CDL classes. The program is free for qualifying participants.
"But inclusive in that we have a holistic approach to workforce development," said Eric Brown, program director at NCIA's vocational training center. "So each person receives a case manager and employment specialist, and we also remove those barriers that may be in the w...