Current trainee Zachary Berry, joined Hopeworks in December of 2018. When he joined Hopeworks, he initially had doubts about the program and felt that the computer training would be overwhelming for him. He says that his real motivation for coming here was to receive his High School Diploma equivalency and not too soon after starting the program, he did just that! After weeks of studying and preparing for the HiSET test (An alternative for GED), Zach was able to pass the test and will be receiving his diploma shortly. Zachary says that his academic success coaches went above and beyond to help him prepare for the exam in subjects such as reading and writing, math, social studies, and language arts. Zach admitted that although the test itself was not too difficult, he had some challenges along the way including having to retake certain sections and having to balance studying for the test, doing the training, and caring for his newborn son.
When asked how he felt about passing the exam, he said “I was so excited. It was a goal of mine for five years now. I had doubts that I would ever get it, but I ran into the right people in and outside of Hopeworks and they pushed me to complete it.”
Now that he has completed his biggest goal, Zach says that his next steps are to enhance his interview skills, build credit, and be a good role model to his son. Along with this, his long term goals are to be mentally focused and to be stable in life and to be consistent. Careerwise he is in the process of interviewing for an externship at a Camden business, but would ultimately like to do an apprenticeship as a union carpenter. Although, he added, he would be happy with anything that would allow him to stay connected to Hopeworks.
In this series, Michelle Cheang, director of Catalyze, sat down with alumni and current participants of Catalyze-supported career-connected learning programs. Through in-depth conversations, Michelle and the learners discuss their experiences, growth and career goals. In the following videos, we'll hear directly from EJ Garcia, a learner at Hopeworks, about how he has developed his career […]
This episode of The Water Online Show focuses on the water industry's workforce shortage. Hopeworks, a training organization, is addressing this challenge by partnering with utilities like American Water. Hopeworks identifies employer needs, trains young professionals, and places them in well-suited roles. This innovative approach is helping to bridge the skills gap and ensure a […]
Grace Manning leads a program helping land young professionals work at companies like Subaru. Grace Manning is director of employer and alumni relations at Hopeworks, a nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia and South New Jersey, offering workforce development programs to young adults. Through training programs, paid internships, and placement services with local employers, Hopeworks helps young, diverse […]
