LOUISVILLE, KY. – Goodwill Kentucky and Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. celebrated the latest graduates of the Construction and Skilled Trades Pathway on Wednesday. The free, six-day workforce training program prepares participants with the skills and credentials needed to pursue entry-level careers in construction and related trades.
Developed in collaboration with Goodwill Kentucky’s employer partners, the program’s curriculum focuses on providing the most in-demand skills across the region’s construction workforce. Woda Cooper, which is currently constructing Opportunity Village—a four-story multifamily development featuring 76 affordable housing units on the Norton Healthcare Goodwill Opportunity Campus in West Louisville—served as the flagship employer partner for this cohort.
The partnership benefits both graduates and employers by connecting trained candidates directly with companies seeking skilled talent. Graduates will interview with Woda Cooper trade partners for potential work on Opportunity Village, and with other Goodwill Kentucky employer partners.
“Partnerships like this are critical to building a stronger local workforce,” said Goodwill Kentucky Vice President of Reentry and Strategic Partnerships Dennis Ritche. “By working directly with employers to understand their needs, we can prepare participants with the skills they need to succeed while giving our employer partners access to a pipeline of trained, motivated talent. It’s a win for our graduates, our employers and our community.”
Graduates earned an OSHA-10 certification or Procore industry credential and received resume and interview coaching as part of the cohort. On Thursday, September 3, they will participate in an interview day with Woda Cooper trade partners and other Goodwill Kentucky employer partners.
Goodwill Kentucky’s workforce development programs help create a stronger pipeline of qualified workers while connecting Kentuckians to career opportunities in growing industries. Employers interested in partnering with Goodwill Kentucky can contact Goodwill Kentucky Director of Strategic Partnerships Alycia Tidrick at Alycia.Tidrick@GoodwillKY.org.
To learn more about Goodwill Kentucky’s workforce development programs and check availability and eligibility, contact Goodwill Kentucky at (502) 272-1700.
About Goodwill Kentucky
For more than 100 years, Goodwill Kentucky has helped Kentuckians find pathways out of poverty through the transformative power of work. Operating in 103 of Kentucky’s 120 counties, Goodwill Kentucky places over 3,000 Kentuckians into jobs each year through its 1,400-plus employer partners and its own retail stores. These life-changing opportunities are made possible through donations to Goodwill Kentucky stores and community support. The organization reinvests approximately 90 cents of every dollar earned in its retail stores into job training and workforce programs. When you give to Goodwill, you do a lot of good.