Work Force Development Center Programs
Through WFDC’s Vocational Training and Apprenticeship Program, student trainees learn mechanical parts and electrical assembly for both commercial and military applications serving companies in the aerospace, automotive, trucking, agricultural, and marine industries. Students are referred by partner schools due to a high risk for school dropout and future chronic socioeconomic challenges. Participants must agree to stay in school, remain drug and alcohol free, and meet program requirements. School liaisons tell us that for many, involvement in WFDC is what keeps students in school.
Our intensive program begins with 4-6 weeks of classroom instruction. Students must pass tests on each of the 14 individual modules as well as the comprehensive test before being allowed on the production floor where they spend 9-12 months on the floor in the following manufacturing areas: Material Control, Assembly, Rivet, Seal, Finish, Quality Assurance, and Kitting. A final 2-week instructional module held just prior to program graduation focuses on life skills and career preparation.
Students develop familiarity with traditional work environments including rules, responsibilities, expectations, rewards, and consequences that they will likely encounter in any workplace. Participants earn credits toward their high school diplomas and minimum wage for the work they produce, graduating from the program with marketable skills and the self-esteem necessary for self-sufficiency.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
STUDENT SUCCESS:
WFDC instructors and school counselors report that in addition to a vast array of knowledge and vocational skills developed through the program, students also learn respect, honor, responsibility, and self-confidence. There are numerous student success stories. Here’s just one quick example:
David was at the point of dropping out of school when his high school counselor talked him into trying out the WFDC program during his senior year. He did a complete 180 degree turnaround during his nine months in the program - his school grades, attendance, and attitude improved greatly. He developed goals and the self confidence that he could achieve those goals. David eventually became one of our best instructors and he just left us last year to go work for Boeing on the wing structure for the Boeing 777 aircraft. We are immensely proud of the incredible young man he’s become and know he’ll work hard to achieve his goals of eventually becoming an engineer.
CURRENT FUNDING NEEDS:
GiveBIG funds will help WFDC make improvements to our Vocational Training and Apprenticeship Program, serve more students, and improve organizational growth and sustainability. Program outcomes and measurable objectives are available at your request. Please contact Dave Trader for more information (
davetrader@wfdcenter.org). We are also tremendously grateful for in-kind and volunteer community support.