Winter Advancement Ceremony

On Thursday, February 16th, Hope Builders celebrated 148 young adults who achieved significant milestones—ranging from training completion to long-term career retention—along Hope Builders’ student journey at the Winter Advancement ceremony.

Construction program graduate, Fredi, served as a keynote speaker to commemorate his successful completion of training and career launch.

Prior to learning about Hope Builders, Fredi, worked with an aunt as a housekeeper but dreamed of a career with professional growth. At 18, he learned about the hands-on skills training from a friend and quickly pursued the opportunity.

“At the beginning I was pretty nervous, but I grew to love training,” Fredi shared. “Hope Builders taught me many valuable skills such as how to properly use tools, maintain a safe worksite, communicate clearly and conduct myself professionally.”

Fredi—pictured third from right, along with Manny Garcia, Hope Builders’ Employment Readiness Coordinator; Luis, Construction Graduate; and Sandy Herrera, Hope Builders Career Connections’ Recruiter—successfully completed training in August.

With the support of Manny and Sandy, Fredi was prepared to interview and matched to Control Air, an employer partner of Hope Builders Career Connections (HBCC)—the agency’s social enterprise staffing agency.

During his interview, Fredi confidently conveyed his initiative, professionalism and knowledge and was hired as a Receiver in September 2023.

Fredi remains committed to his professional growth working overtime with another department to learn more about his trade.

“Thank you for making this possible. I’m so grateful to Hope Builders for helping me change my life and build a better future.”