Employers
Project JumpStart is a non-profit organization providing a 15-week construction training, wealth-building, and
career-development program designed for long underserved communities in Baltimore. This antipoverty and racial equity program provides students with entry-level electrical, plumbing, and carpentry training. Students also receive safety training, construction math, financial coaching, a driver’s education, and a stipend for their time.
Since its inception in 2006, the JumpStart program has proudly changed the lives of over 1,500 Baltimore City residents by providing them with the tools to embark on a long, meaningful career in construction that will provide family-supporting wages for a lifetime.
JumpStart also serves local contractors by providing only well-screened, job-ready candidates to meet their entry-level hiring needs.
Why Hire Project JumpStart Graduates?
Vetted for Success
At PJSI, our graduates are carefully selected and rigorously trained to ensure they’re ready to succeed. Our recruitment process includes multiple assessments to gauge job readiness, and we work closely with our partners to identify and remove barriers that could hinder success—both during the program and in the workplace. After 87 hours of instruction and 15 weeks of consistent attendance, our graduates are committed and prepared to launch their careers.
Employer Centric Programming
From day one, Project JumpStart has been designed with employers' workforce needs in mind. Our curriculum is developed and reviewed by industry subject matter experts, and it's delivered by experienced instructors who have worked in the field and excel as educators. PJSI’s leadership team boasts extensive construction experience and a broad industry network, ensuring that our program stays relevant and impactful.
Full Support for Employers
Hiring a Project JumpStart graduate means gaining access to a dedicated support team that assists with onboarding and addresses any challenges that may arise. Additionally, we provide employers with guidebooks and resources to help front-line supervisors integrate new hires seamlessly, enhancing team cohesion and success.
Proven Track Record
Since our first class in 2006, Project JumpStart has grown stronger, evolving into a leader in workforce development. We remain committed to building a diverse and skilled talent pipeline, ensuring opportunities for all as we shape the future of the industry.
How to Level Up – Beyond Hiring
Become a PJSI Champion
A PJSI Champion not only hires our talented graduates but also actively participates in our growth by contributing time and resources. Eliminating workforce shortages requires employer engagement, and we offer a variety of ways for you to contribute.
Be a Guest Speaker in the Classroom
Invite a representative to speak in our classrooms and provide real-world advice and insights as our students explore the right pathways in construction for themselves.
Speak at Graduation
Inspire and energize our graduates as they enter the world. Share insights about the opportunities that await them in the industry and in life. Tell your own story, share experiences from your employees, or discuss your dreams for the future.
Join the Employment Prep Team
Every graduate needs an updated resume and LinkedIn profile. PJSI’s small but dedicated staff can always use extra hands to help students create these essential materials. We provide standard formats and guidance; you provide professionals to work with students, either as a one-time contribution or an ongoing commitment.
Join the Program Quality Committee
What sets PJSI apart is our connection to industry experts, ensuring our outcomes meet both student needs and employer demands. We welcome employers to join our Program Quality Committee to help steer our programming, job placement activities, and advise on our approach.
Encourage Colleagues
In business, a referral is often a stronger lead than a cold call. Share PJSI with your professional network, encourage your colleagues to hire JumpStart graduates, support PJSI programming, and invite other professionals to join you at our events. Don’t forget to follow, share and like us on social media too.
Donate or Sponsor
Our courses are free for students, so we rely on generous donations, sponsorships, and grants to fund our activities. Become an annual sponsor, support individual activities, or enhance your involvement by participating in Impact Project JumpStart. We offer many ways to support our programming.
