The Workforce Development Institute, Inc (WDI) has a pre-apprenticeship program that recruits and screens potential students (adults) from under-served and/or minority populations and provides training to prepare them to enter a building trade apprenticeship program.  This program, called the Cornerstone Program, was started in the Capital Region in 2008 with WDI funding and has been so successful that in 2010 WDI was awarded ARRA funds through the NYS Department of Labor to continue and expand it into Central NY (Syracuse).  The Cornerstone Program provides training in a blend of soft skills, math, English and energy efficiency that provides students with the skills required by registered apprenticeship programs.  The students, who are all either low income or unemployed, and may have multiple barriers to employment, also receive extensive wrap-around support services including career guidance and job placement. 

Todd is a 45 year old man who lost his job at Magna when the facility “downsized” in Syracuse.  He had been employed, through many changes, at Magna/Chrysler/New Venture Gear for 13 years.  After becoming unemployed, Todd began earnestly looking for work.  Although he is a great candidate who interviews well, is punctual, hard working, with good references, and a CDL license, he was unable to find work.  Todd attributed the lack of job offers to the fact that he has a felony conviction from his youth.  While he was unemployed, Todd continued to educate himself in skills that he hoped would lead to employment in the construction industry.  Despite his efforts to improve his skills, when he attempted to pass an apprenticeship test, he was unsuccessful twice.  

When Todd learned of the Cornerstone program, he was very hopeful.  He attended class unfailingly every day.  Through our partnership with the Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center, Todd was able to take advantage of a math tutor on a daily basis to improve his skills.  He was one of only two students in that class who consistently worked with the tutors.  An additional benefit that all students receive is the OSHA 10 hour class.  It provides them with an advantage that other potential employees don’t offer to an employer.  Upon completion of the class, and as part of the case management that Cornerstone provides, Todd was a regular visitor to the WDI office as he continued to look for work.  He occasionally needed help filling out application forms online and knew that as a participant in the program, he had continued access to our computers and the availability of the Program Coordinator to assist him when needed.  Todd took 3 apprenticeship tests and had callback interviews for all of them.  The program coordinator, through the relationships that we’ve developed with the unions, was able to speak to union representatives on Todd’s behalf and provide solid references.  He is currently working as a Laborer’s apprentice and is performing well in his new job.  He is excited to be employed in a position that will provide a living wage and benefits for him and his family.

Cathy Peterson

Cornerstone Program Coordinator