Beneath the Hard Hat
C.D. Smith Company Blog

Building Wisconsin Construction Careers with Operation Fresh Start

Date: Jul 18, 2024 10:56:13 AM | Author: Tracy Lisowe

The Backstory: Operation Fresh Start

Imagine you're 16 years old and unsure of your next step. You need to finish high school but don't know how to apply classroom knowledge to the real world, or perhaps you're looking for a career path that feels fulfilling and offers real growth. Operation Fresh Start's Legacy Program is designed for individuals between 16 and 24 who are eager to finish high school and take meaningful steps toward their career goals and the future they want.

The Operation Fresh Start (OFS) Build Academy is a full-time, hands-on, paid construction job training program for 18 to 24-year-olds. This program allows participants to earn while they learn, gaining valuable industry experience alongside industry professionals.

Bryan Hernandez after completing Operation Fresh Start Build Program and signing with C.D. Smith Construction in Wisconsin

Photo courtesy of Operation Fresh Start

Bryan Hernandez's Story

Bryan Hernandez's journey with OFS began in the Legacy program. He was on Legacy Construction Supervisor Miles Hegg's first crew. By the time he graduated from the program in 2020, Bryan's work ethic and drive made a lasting impression on Miles and everyone who worked with him. 

Hernandez didn't stop at the Legacy program. He went on to join the OFS Build Academy and in just five weeks, Bryan's talent and determination caught the eye of C.D. Smith Construction during a mock interview session. "C.D. Smith came to do mock interviews for our young people, and they liked Bryan so much that they called him the next day and offered him a job," says Build Academy Program Coordinator Faith Neumann.

Bryan started his new role as a union laborer with C.D. Smith on July 1, joining the Laborers International Union of North America, Laborers Local 464. His hard work and dedication aren't going unnoticed. He's already receiving great reviews from tradespeople in the field.

Bryan Hernandez at signing with C.D. Smith Construction, Operation Fresh Start and Laborers Local 464 Wisconsin

Photo courtesy of Operation Fresh Start

WHY it Matters

The construction industry offers a wealth of opportunities for people looking to build rewarding careers. Skilled trades careers offer competitive wages, strong benefits packages and career pathways for advancement and growth.

Operation Fresh Start recognizes the potential of the construction industry and equips young adults with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive. By providing a comprehensive learning experience, career development support, and ongoing mentorship, the program empowers young people to build a bright future for themselves, while contributing to the development of our communities.

Bryan signing with C.D. Smith Construction and Local Union 464 as Wisconsin laborer

Photo courtesy of Operation Fresh Start

For Bryan, the skills he learned and the confidence he gained through the Legacy program have set him on a path to a bright future. His story is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and the support of programs like Operation Fresh Start for building relationships and accessing resources with national, state and local partners like C.D. Smith. As he continues to build his career, Bryan serves as an inspiration to other young people looking to create a better life for themselves while contributing to the development of our communities.

Welcome, Bryan! It's an exciting time for our company and the industry and we're excited to grow together as a team.

(Photo and Information Sources: Operation Fresh Start  website <operationfreshstart.org/> and July 15, 2024 LinkedIn and Facebook posts from OFS's profile page.)

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Date: July 18, 2024 | Author: Tracy Lisowe

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