From left to right, instructor Jason Merritt of Lewiston Regional Technical Center, students Osee Nkoto, Harbey Saavedra and Pacifique Bwanakweli, and instructor Allan Brown of Lewiston Adult Education. The students celebrated their graduation on April 25.

Since January students in the Pre-Apprenticeship Trades classes have been hard at work, not only gaining valuable hands-on training but also developing their English language and communication skills for the workplace.

The students celebrated their graduation on April 25 at the Adult Learning Center at Gov. Longley School in Lewiston, less than a week before  National Apprenticeship Day on April 30. The United States Department of Labor established Apprenticeship Day to recognize the importance of connecting skilled workers to potential employers.

Instructor Allan Brown commended his students for the wealth of experience they bring from their former countries, ranging from roles as electricians to project managers of at large manufacturing plants. Brown focuses on workplace English, trades-related math (such as measuring in feet and inches), workplace safety and understanding employment expectations in the United States.

Jason Merritt,  construction teacher at Lewiston Regional Technical Center, has also played an important role in the program. As part of the Trades Academy course, Lewiston Adult Education partnered with Merritt and the LRTC facility to offer students a series of hands-on training opportunities and industry certifications.  

“They came to this class eager to learn,” Merritt said. “ They want to get into the construction and trades  industry so they’re learning the basic skills needed to become an entry-level carpenter or laborer for local businesses.” 

The program has strong support from area businesses and state partners including Hahnel Brothers, Industrial Roofing Company, Lewiston Public Works, Eastern Maine Development Corporation, the Maine Department of Labor, and the Maine Apprenticeship Program.

Throughout the course, students have earned industry-recognized certificates including  OSHA 10 Construction Certification, Basic Life Support CPR, aerial lift, scissor lift and forklift certification, along with hand and power tool safety, and proper use. Included in the course is WorkReady, a state-certified soft skills training.  

“Employers are going to love them,” Brown added.

Local businesses interested in employment training support are encouraged to visit Lewiston Adult Education to explore pre-apprenticeship opportunities or on-site English language acquisition.