In February, KRA reported on the overall success of the first graduating class of the Construction Academy, operated through YouthWorks! for the Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation. Now, we are extremely pleased to report on an individual success story of one of the graduates, Taya Moore.
James LeBlanc, Program Manager, reports, “Taya Moore is a 20-year-old OSY participant, who enrolled in the Academy in October 2018. Coming directly from completing a Summer Youth Internship Program with the Finishing Trades Union, she brought more hands-on experience than some of the other students. Right away, it was obvious that Taya was unique, and not just because she is a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry.”
Kevin Thomas, KRA Vocational Instructor, began a project with the class to construct a shed from the ground up. He reported, “When it was time to use the nail-gun, the male students were a bit fearful, even after I showed everyone the proper way to use it safely. Without a word, Taya walked over, picked it up, and started nailing boards like she’d been doing it all her life!”
LeBlanc continued, “As the class neared graduation, local contractors began visiting classes, and interviewing students for employment and paid-internship opportunities. Bruce Northcraft, owner of Northern Craft Construction, was so impressed with Taya’s knowledge and passion for the work that he hired her on the spot!
Working with Northern Craft only 3 months now, Taya has already received a pay raise! With the tools she received from YouthWorks! upon job-placement, shown in the photo; a great company to work for; and an awesome can-do attitude, Taya has a fantastic start to her chosen career!”
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Dr. Boone’s 20+ years’ experience in the industry is extensive and her expertise in private-, public-, and non-profit sector workforce-services organizations is unparalleled, particularly in the Baltimore–Washington Metropolitan area.
