BALTIMORE — A mix of homeless veterans, young adults and returning citizens graduated from the Herbert Hoelter Vocational Training Center in little Italy.
Despite pandemic conditions, 60 men and women were able to get their certificates in fields like HVAC work or culinary arts.
For one man, the education means a career he'd never thought he'd have.
“I came to this program and I said I want to work for Honda. I'm gonna work for Honda. I lie to you not that last week of graduation, they like we're gonna try, help you find a job. I said I did this myself, I found this program myself, so I can find Honda myself. I'm not gonna lie to you. Last week, I called up Honda, asked for an interview, and the man said we're hiring right now, come in. I lie to you not, the same day we're supposed to have graduation, that's the same day I started at Honda."
The training center said they were able to keep teaching using a mix of virtual simulators and small group, in-person sessions for hands-on training.
The group's not being left to fend for themselves in the pandemic, either.
The school will help them with workforce development and support for the next year.
If you're looking for a career change, the program is free for those on snap benefits.
