Project JumpStart Class Sponsored by Amtrak and Penn Station Partners Graduates

Penn Station Partners, the Baltimore-based development team leading the transformation and renewal of the city’s main transportation hub, recently joined with Project JumpStart, Living Classrooms Foundation, Associated Builders and Contractors of Greater Baltimore, Wohlsen Construction Company, Whiting-Turner, and a number of trade contractors and other partners to celebrate the graduation of 16 students from Project JumpStart’s 65th class. The class was sponsored by Amtrak with support from Penn Station Partners.

Project JumpStart is a 14-week pre-apprenticeship training program for the construction trades and is widely recognized as one of the most successful workforce development and job placement programs in the state. The 16 students received 87 hours of training covering entry-level electrical, plumbing, and carpentry skills, as well as safety, job readiness, and financial coaching. In addition, Project JumpStart will work with graduates on future job placement, with a focus on connecting them with opportunities at the Penn Station redevelopment, which is under construction now.

“We are thrilled to help open the door to opportunities in the construction trades for these Baltimoreans,” said Tim Pula, Vice President, Community Development at Beatty Development. “There is a real shortage of skilled construction tradespeople and thus tremendous opportunity for people to access good-paying career opportunities. But what’s often lacking is access to the necessary skills training. Project Jumpstart helps to address that.”

The financial support of Project JumpStart by the Penn Station redevelopment funded the class with the goal of continuing investment each year. A focused effort will be given to placing graduates into job opportunities with Penn Station redevelopment projects or subprojects.

“The mission of Project JumpStart has remained consistent over our 15-year history, during which time we have seen hundreds of Baltimore residents graduate and get placed in good jobs with local builders, graduate from apprenticeship programs, and grow in their careers,” said James Stewart, Executive Director of Project JumpStart. “We are committed to addressing our city’s equity and economic disparities while also providing a viable source of job-ready candidates for in-demand careers. We are very grateful to be a part of the transformation of Penn Station, and excited about this partnership that will surely have a positive, direct, and lasting impact on Baltimore City residents.”