In the City of Charlotte, a partnership between Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont and Charlotte Water is creating careers in construction and strengthening the city’s workforce.
At Goodwill, participants can take tuition-free training programs in construction and trade training, including Construction Basics, HVAC, Electrical, Commercial Carpentry and more. While completing the training, participants have access to wraparound services, including working with a Career Navigator, who helps them update their resume and conduct mock interviews, along with learning essential skills that prepare them to enter the workforce.
“At Goodwill, we prepare our students not only with technical skills but with a holistic approach – addressing career readiness, life skills, and the confidence needed to thrive on the job,” said Marvin Kelley, Director of Construction and Trade Skills Training at Goodwill.
Another strong benefit is Goodwill’s Employer Engagement Team, who connects qualified Goodwill graduates with employers searching for their next hire.
“I build relationships with both parties to ensure the right fit and offer services like job leads, referrals, hiring events, and employer-led training,” said Matt Robson, Employer Engagement Specialist for Goodwill’s Construction & Trade Skills Training Program. “We emphasize essential skills like initiative, communication, and conflict resolution – qualities employers consistently seek.”
One of the strongest partnerships for Goodwill’s Construction and Trade Training program is with the City of Charlotte; in particular, Charlotte Water.
Over the past two years, eight Goodwill participants have been placed at Charlotte Water through this partnership, with five entering through the apprenticeship track. The average starting wage for these roles is $22.13.
Through a Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship program, Charlotte Water offers a 12-month paid experience that provides participants real-world experience in the water industry. Each apprentice is paired with a mentor and earns their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Tanker endorsement, a vital credential for advancing in field operations.
Participants, several of whom come through Goodwill’s Construction Skills Training Center, are working, growing their skills, and preparing for long-term careers in the water industry.
Armonte Massey went through the apprenticeship program and is now a Utility Technician I at Charlotte Water. Massey has directly benefited from the partnership.
“I always wanted to work for the city, because my brother does,” he shared. “I was filling out applications, but I never got hired because I didn’t have the experience. [After completing the courses at Goodwill,] I went to a hiring event. I told them I was a Goodwill participant, and I guess that made me stand out.”
“At Charlotte Water, I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned how to use more tools; I have my CDL and now I’m the dump truck driver. I have different certifications, and I’m eventually going to go to school to get more.”
Shakira Townsend is another Goodwill graduate who has built a career with Charlotte Water. She has been working there since 2022 and is a Utility Technician II.
“To be able to take these classes and go into the community with the necessary skills – that has truly changed my life,” she said. “I am very happy where I am now. I go to work happy, and I learn something new every day.”
Goodwill’s Construction Skills Training Center plays a critical role in preparing participants for the next step in their careers.
“Over the past two years, our collaboration with the Goodwill Construction Skills Training Center has consistently produced participants who are well prepared, studious, and highly engaged in the learning process by the time they join Charlotte Water. Their foundational experience through Goodwill allows them to transition seamlessly into our apprenticeship environment and excel in their training,” said Paula Holmes, Workforce Development Lead at Charlotte Water.
As Charlotte continues to grow, so does the need for skilled professionals in essential services like water infrastructure. This partnership between Goodwill and Charlotte Water is not only meeting that need; it’s an act of investing in the future of the city and its people.
“Our partnership with the City of Charlotte and Charlotte Water demonstrates what’s possible when education, opportunity, and community come together. Seeing our graduates in Charlotte Water’s apprenticeship program is a powerful reminder that when we invest in people, we build stronger careers and a stronger city,” said Marvin Kelley.
If you’re an employer looking for talent that’s trained, motivated, and equipped with essential skills, partner with Goodwill to connect with candidates who are ready to make an impact from day one. Contact our Employer Engagement Team to learn more.
