Success Stories

The hardworking, dependable and talented teammate!

In April 2016, Wohlsen was pleased to offer a position to a recent Jumpstart graduate as a laborer on our Baltimore based self-perform team. Fresh out of the JumpStart program, our new teammate was eager to contribute his hard work to our projects and quickly became a stalwart fixture on our project sites. Over the years, this JumpStart graduate sought out continued opportunities and increased responsibility on our projects and, with his hard work and dedication, completed the Carpenter's Apprenticeship Program at ABC in Baltimore. Today, more than eight years after joining Wohlsen, this one-time Jumpstart student is now a full-time carpenter on our self-perform team, with his sights set on becoming a project superintendent. Wohlsen is grateful for the training that Project Jumpstart provided to this graduate and for allowing our organization to add a hardworking, dependable and talented teammate to our Maryland-based team. Greg Meyer-Regional Vice President

Graduate Spotlight

Mark Turner began his journey with Baltimore Fabrication as a Material Handler in the fall of 2023. Just six months later, his hard work and dedication earned him a promotion to Machine Operator.

A Baltimore City native, Mark is a powerful example of the positive impact Project JumpStart is having in our community. Although he acknowledges not always making the best decisions in the past, joining Project JumpStart marked a turning point in his life. With newfound opportunities in reach, Mark committed fully to the program, demonstrating consistent attendance, punctuality, and engagement in every class.

Reflecting on his experience, Mark shares that Project JumpStart was a catalyst for his personal growth, helping him mature and build a strong foundation for his career. Baltimore Fabrication’s leadership has noticed Mark’s progress and dedication, commenting: "Mark is doing very well so far. He’s here every day, on time, and keeps busy all day while following instructions well. He’s picking up skills quickly, and with his positive attitude, coachability, and punctuality, I can see him progressing well here."

Project JumpStart is proud to spotlight Mark Turner—a valued graduate of our program and an integral member of the Baltimore Fabrication team.

Graduate Spotlight

Asia Gibson, a lifelong resident of Baltimore City, is a dedicated escort driver for Allan Myers. In her role, she guides subcontractors, helping them safely navigate their teams and equipment to and from job sites. Her job is not only essential for keeping projects on schedule, but it also puts her in the thick of construction operations—something she’s grown passionate about since beginning her career in the trades.

Seeking a New Start: Asia’s Path to Project JumpStart
Before joining Project JumpStart, Asia worked in retail and warehouses, always searching for a career that felt more aligned with her interests. She knew she enjoyed being around machinery, yet hadn’t considered the trades as a long-term option. That all changed when she discovered Project JumpStart, a pre-apprenticeship program designed to equip Baltimore residents with the skills needed to enter the construction industry. Asia recognized that this program could offer her a fresh start.

“JumpStart introduced me to so much more than just the basics of machinery. I gained hands-on knowledge about carpentry and safety regulations, which is critical in the trades,” Asia reflects. “By the end of the program, I knew I wanted to be part of building things from the ground up—and doing it safely.”

Finding Purpose in Construction and Safety
Asia’s exposure to safety practices and carpentry fueled her passion for the construction industry, especially as she witnessed the critical importance of safety regulations in every phase of a build. Her role with Allan Myers now allows her to see projects progress safely from start to finish, a satisfying outcome that aligns well with her interests.