The DC Department of Employment Services invited Power Design to attend Mayor Bowser’s “Bringing Jobs Back to DC” event last month to recognize apprenticeship sponsors who contributed to the DC workforce during the pandemic. Our very own Compliance and Workforce Development Project Executive, Chris Riley, proudly represented Power Design at the event alongside our continued commitment to DC residents and apprenticeship training. With over 300 apprentices participating in programs across the country, we have a team solely dedicated to supporting and advocating for our apprentices in hopes to achieve our goal of positively influencing the construction industry.

In addition to providing over $500,000 a year in scholarships to our apprenticeship program, Power Design has feet on the ground in DC and “adopted” Ballou Stay—a local, under privileged high school;. The “adopt-a-school” program consists of hosting several school-based activities such as information sessions/workshops, contributing to and supporting the school community, and attending periodic district-wide meetings. This partnership with Ballou Stay High School allows us the opportunity to get involved in campus-wide events, host construction training sessions/certification courses, and sponsor lunches for students and staff alike.

Power Design hopes to have a direct impact on the community and the chance to form quality relationships with the high school’s staff and students, ultimately providing employment opportunities upon their graduation. During a recent Ballou Stay event, Power Design’s Riley even met one-on-one with upcoming graduates interested in joining the team! As a result of our engagement with BSHS, the DOES is in the early stages of establishing a Youth Apprenticeship program; Ballou Stay High School can now explore becoming an authorized facility for apprenticeship construction, OSHA classes, construction first aid, and more!