Wilmington, DE- The Challenge Program, a construction-training program on the banks of the Christina River, works with young people who face difficulty attaining employment. Challenge Program trainees are taught construction hands-on through their work rehabbing houses in the City of Wilmington. Upon completion of the program, participants are expected to have an understanding of job readiness and basic construction.
The Challenge Program works to form and maintain positive and productive partnerships with agencies within the community, and has found through experience that these partnerships are crucial to the program’s success. The Challenge Program is pleased to be involved in the partnership with Norman Oliver and EDiS.
Through the efforts of Norman Oliver, Jason Edwards, a recent Challenge Program graduate has been taken on as an apprentice with EDiS Company. Jason, a young parent, found it extremely difficult to find employment in a career with a future and a livable wage. He chose to enroll in the Challenge Program to learn construction skills and develop a more promising future for himself and his daughter. During his time as a Challenge Program trainee, he learned useful construction skills, including carpentry, by working on the rehabilitation of row home at 22nd and Carter streets. Norman Oliver worked with Jason and the Challenge Program to secure an apprentice position with EDiS, where Jason is receiving beneficial education and training in the areas of construction and management. Mr. Oliver adds, “I have found Jason to be very reliable, always on time, a hard worker, and a person willing to learn. I have been very impressed with the Challenge Program and the quality of worker they produce.”
Says the Challenge Program Board of Trustees President, former senator Charlie Copeland “The Challenge Program has always been about preparing young people to find jobs and then stay employed. The partnership between EDiS, Norman and the Challenge Program is a continuing example of our ongoing efforts. We feel very fortunate to work with such great partners.”
