Building a Legacy: James Bryant

“If I had known about this program, I would have done it years ago.”

James Bryant worked for a window company in Salisbury for almost 10 years – starting in an entry-level position and eventually working his way into a management position.

When the plant closed two years ago, James didn’t know where to turn. “I had been making good money, and then all of a sudden I’m on minimum wage,” he said. “It’s really hard to get motivated when you’ve been there.”

After living on unemployment for almost two years, and suffering the loss of his residence and transportation, James decided to apply for Goodwill’s Construction Training program to boost his skills. “I applied to literally hundreds of places, but since I don’t have a car and have to rely on public transportation it really limits what I can do.”

James is most excited about getting his NCCER certification. Though his experience is in construction-related work, the certifications and training he will receive during his training at Goodwill will help him be better prepared and work-ready for today’s construction industry.

As part of the training program, James and his classmates will receive hands-on experience in green building practices alongside volunteers from Habitat and Bank of America as together they build the Legacy House, a unique building effort that will transform one corner of an uptown parking lot into an active construction site beginning with CarolinaFest, the DNC week kickoff event presented by the Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee.

In addition to lending our students for the Legacy House effort, Goodwill will help educate the community about sustainability efforts as part of the Legacy Village during the DNC. Even our mascot, Smiling G, is on board!

Labor Day is the perfect time to remind people that we are all part of the solution – whether it’s about sustainability, job creation or strengthening families in our community. For more information about the Legacy House build, click here or join the conversation online.