The Healthy Homes Construction Careers (HHCC) program was developed by Employ Milwaukee in partnership with the Coalition on Lead Emergency (COLE), Social Development Commission (SDC), and Revitalize MKE to provide a supply of trained and certified workers to take jobs remediating lead paint hazards in Milwaukee homes. HHCC is generously funded through the City of Milwaukee via the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The program aims to connect trained workers with Lead Abatement certifications to contractors who are paid by the City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) to remediate high lead risk homes. MHD’s efforts have been boosted by a $26M City of Milwaukee ARPA investment that will remediate over 800 homes in the next two years, creating a strong demand for qualified construction workers.
 
 

Lead Renovator & Worker Training


The week of January 23, 2023, Employ Milwaukee hosted a Lead Renovator/Worker training session on the southside of Milwaukee at the Multicultural Entrepreneurial Institute. A group of small contractors and individual employees participated in the program. There was a total of 17 individuals, all of whom completed the training and passed the exams required. In order to work abating lead, you must go through training and earn certification to work with lead-based paint in houses and childcare centers built before 1978.

Lead Supervisor Training


February 15 – 16, 2023, Employ Milwaukee hosted a Lead Supervisor training session also on the southside of Milwaukee. Certified Supervisors are qualified to perform all of the duties that a lead worker can perform. Additionally, supervisors are responsible for occupant safety during the abatement process as well as for writing the abatement plan. Five individuals attended the training course and all of them were successful in completing the course. On March 21, 2023, Employ Milwaukee hosted the State of WI Lead Supervisor Exam. Of the five that completed the training course, three passed the Supervisor Exam.
 

Construction Industry Skills Training


On February 9, 2023, Employ Milwaukee hosted SDC’s Absolute Advantage graduation. The training covers math, safety, hand and power tool use, blueprints and rigging. Participants also receive the following certifications: Lead Abatement Renovator/Worker; OSHA30; Asbestos Abatement Worker; Construction Safety and Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate from the Wisconsin Apprenticeship System.
 

Paid Work Experience


Since the beginning of the quarter, Employ Milwaukee had five individuals start paid work experience (PWE). When enrolling in a PWE, Employ Milwaukee is the employer of record. The rate of pay for these jobs is comparable with the wages paid to other individuals in a similar job. In addition, PWEs come with supportive services that greatly benefit employees. Employ Milwaukee can provide participants with personal protective equipment, transportation, and other covered expenses in this program. Currently, Employ Milwaukee's partners are working with contractors to hire graduates from the Absolute Advantage training program as part of their commitment to becoming a crew approved to abate lead.
 





Contractor Meetings


A program goal is to host contractor meetings to assist city of Milwaukee small businesses build capacity to bid on lead abatement work. Multiple sessions were held in February and March and 47 city of Milwaukee contractors have received services. 

Looking Forward


Employ Milwaukee continues to develop opportunities to upskill construction workers with lead abatement skills. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact Jovo Potkonjak at 414-270-7529 or [email protected] or fill out an application here: Healthy Homes Construction Careers
 
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  LinkedIn
 
Employ Milwaukee | 2342 North 27th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53210
Unsubscribe [email protected]
Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
Sent by [email protected] in collaboration with
Trusted Email from Constant Contact - Try it FREE today.
Try email marketing for free today!