As you know, there is not much good, organized construction training going on anywhere in the country. However, there are exceptions, such as Skills USA and a few others.
One remarkable program happening right now in New Orleans is officially titled "The Prince of Wales's New Orleans Renewal and Building Crafts Training Program."
The Prince's Program, as it is known locally, is a joint venture between:
• The Princes Foundation for the Built Environment,
• Delgado Community College, and
* The Preservation Resource Center.
In this six-month program, student apprentices are trained in old-world craftsmanship, working to rehab Katrina-damaged homes, in the disciplines of rough carpentry, millwork, plastering, masonry and millwork.
My role: I am a site supervisor that coordinates several different entities — Delgado, the Carpenter's Union, PRC — to keep the job moving in a timely manner.
