AFJ Looks To Create A Pathway To Apprenticeships Through OSHA-30 Certifications

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At Avenues for Justice (AFJ), we remain committed to expanding our in-house and onsite workforce development and job readiness initiatives offered free of cost to our Participants. This year to date, attendance for HIRE Up workshops and certification classes has increased by 30%, with no signs of slowing down! In this week’s newsletter, we are excited to highlight the success of the most recent cohort of our OSHA-30, Site Safety, Flaggers, and Scaffolding training course, where 10 Participants successfully earned all four certifications.

Last week at our Harlem community center, AFJ hosted a training course for OSHA-30, Site Safety, Flaggers, and Scaffolding facilitated by Shahiem Mendez, Founder and Owner of Set 360 LLC. This certification course equips Participants with essential credentials needed for apprenticeship and employment opportunities in construction. Since 2021, NYC requires employees at major construction sites to complete OSHA-30 and Site Safety Training (SST)-10 courses. Additionally, Flaggers and Scaffolding certifications add additional skill sets to the resumes of our Participants.

AFJ’s Chief Program Officer, Gamal Willis, shared how, "Shahiem’s ability to connect with our youth and capture their interest is unparalleled. We appreciate his insights and vision on how we can further expand opportunities for those who complete his course.”

The key driver of AFJ’s workforce development success is our dedicated Job Developer, Shantel Brooks. Shantel’s tireless recruitment efforts help AFJ Participants gain access to costly certification classes and paid internships. Shantel noted how this first cohort of the year stood out because of the strong camaraderie they formed which helped foster active participation and engagement during sessions. It also encouraged Participants to often stay late to continue discussions about the learning material which was covered by Shahiem.

Messiah Ferguson, the newest Court Advocate to join our team, observed the training and was deeply impressed by both Shahiem’s interactive approach and the commitment displayed by our Participants. “They weren’t learning just about construction; they were gaining valuable life and workplace skills that will serve them in any future career.” Like Shantel’s observation, Messiah enjoyed seeing Participants take the initiative to network with each other outside the sessions and actively encourage the newcomers to join other programming offered at AFJ.

One of the core messages Shahiem instills in his students is that these certifications increase their job marketability, regardless of whether they decide to pursue careers in construction. Drawing from his own journey, Shahiem shared with Participants how he started his career as an apprentice before steadily working his way up toward becoming a certified instructor.  

“We’re honored to facilitate and empower the AFJ community, equipping Participants with the skills and certifications needed to build sustainable careers. As someone who has benefited from second chances, it’s always rewarding to see individuals take meaningful steps toward their professional goals.

A special thank you to Liz, Gamal and the AFJ team for their collaboration and commitment to expanding opportunities for the community. We look forward to our continued partnership and the upcoming training at the LES Center.” ~Shahiem Mendez, Founder and Owner of Set 360 LLC

The impact of these training sessions is already visible in Participants such as Max---who received his certifications this week and who sees AFJ as a platform to improve his future. Another Participant, Ioynna, joined AFJ at the beginning of this year and quickly immersed herself in our HIRE Up programming. Facing a felony charge at the age of 24, she knew she needed a second chance to turn her life around. Ioynna worked with Shantel to update her resume, and now three months later, proudly shared how, “getting my OSHA card means everything to me. It honestly might save my life. Shahiem was amazing and provided us with a great sense of structure.” As she begins her job search, we are eager to see her navigate her path forward.

Since launching these training cohorts, AFJ Participants have earned:

• 86 OSHA-30 and Site Safety certifications;
• 60 Flaggers certifications; and
• 46 Scaffolding certifications

Thank you to all our supporters whose generosity allows us to continue offering these training sessions at no cost to Participants like Max and Ioynna. Your commitment enables us to remove financial barriers for our young adults, ensuring access to critical workforce opportunities.

If you are an employer and would like to offer a pathway into union apprenticeships or other union career opportunities for our young adults, please email AFJ Job Developer, Shantel Brooks, at sbrooks@avenuesforjustice.org.