Graduates Available for Hire

What is Project JumpStart?
Project JumpStart is an 87-hour pre-apprenticeship construction training program, focusing on preparing participants for employment in well-paying jobs in construction, plumbing, electrical, and related careers. The Job Opportunities Task Force (JOTF) manages the program and provides support services for participants and graduates through their case manager and financial case manager. JOTF partners with Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) to provide training and assist graduates find employment in the construction industry through the program’s Job Placement Director.

How many participants does Project JumpStart serve?
Currently, Project JumpStart holds six classes a year in two locations serving approximately 125 Baltimore City residents every year.

How is the class structured?
JumpStart classes meet two nights a week for three hours each night. Experienced instructors provide remedial math and measurement education (as we’ve seen a consistent need for additional numeracy support from our internal assessments) and entry-level electrical, plumbing, and carpentry vocational training. During training, participants also receive certifications in CPR, First Aid, and OSHA 10 (a requirement for many industry employers and apprenticeships).

How are instructors trained?
Instructors train under our head instructor for entire cohort. Our head instructor helped design Project JumpStart and has been with the program since its inception.

What additional services, outside of industry-skills training, are offered to program participants?
Project JumpStart staff provide case management, referral, and support services. These services are individualized based on participant needs and may include:

• connections to driver’s education at no cost to the participant (as the high cost of driver’s education has created a barrier for many residents to reliable transportation);
• case management services to pinpoint barriers and make appropriate referrals;
• Referrals to housing, benefits screening, legal services; support navigating systems such as child support
• Financial education and coaching, including a review of credit report & score
• Financial assistance to obtain a used vehicle
• A high-quality set of starter tools for graduates entering employment due to the industry requirement for trade tools starting day one on most job sites

Who does Project JumpStart train?
The program is designed to work with Baltimore City residents over age 18 who have a high school diploma or GED. All interested residents first complete an intake application that includes a 17 question math assessment. The intake helps staff determine who should move the interview phase. If selected for an interview all applicants must attend the interview, on-time, and pass a drug-screen urinalysis to be considered for enrollment.

Enrollment demographics include:

• 96% African-American Males
• 75% unemployed
• 75% have some level of criminal background
• Approximately 20% have never had a driver’s license
• Approximately 80% rely on public transportation or other means to get to class (no personal transportation)

What is the cost of training? What costs are included?
Average cost per person is approximately $6,000. This cost includes training, case management services, participant stipends ($25/class), and barrier removal support (i.e. driver’s education course, transportation assistance, etc.).

What is the program completion rate?  How many graduates get jobs?
Approximately 80% of those who enroll complete the program. Between 75% and 80% of graduates are placed into employment.

How much do graduates typically earn when they gain employment?
Typical starting wages are between $12 -$14 an hour.

How is the program funded?
Project JumpStart is a program of the Job Opportunities Task Force, which is a 501c3 non-profit organization. JOTF fundraises for the program, including a mix of state and local government, philanthropic foundations, and private donations.  

How long does it typically take for a program graduate to gain employment after they complete?
Placement typically happens within 90 days of completing JumpStart.

How many graduates enroll in apprenticeship training?
Approximately 25% of the graduates placed into employment will be sponsored for apprenticeship by their employer.