The Latino Academy of Workforce Development celebrated its first cohort through its Lowe’s Foundation-funded construction program June 13.
The program was started after the Latino Academy received $300,000 from the Lowe’s Foundation’s Gable Grant. The grant was issued to 15 nonprofits to bolster programs for workforce development in the trades. The Latino Academy was the only nonprofit in Wisconsin to receive a Gable Grant in 2025.
With the grant, the Latino Academy brought back its construction trades program after popular demand from the community. Over the course of one week, students were able to advance their knowledge or find an entry point in the construction trade.
“We planned out this one week of readiness with what are some basic skills and certifications that we can give people, so that makes them desirable for contractors to hire,” said Saul Castillo, director of Wisconsin Laborers Apprenticeship and Training Fund.
Throughout the week, students gained certification in areas like flagging and CPR and hands-on experience working with tools, concrete, rigging and scaffolding. The skills learned are aimed to be highly beneficial to have on the job site, Castillo said.
The program came together quickly with the Latino Academy and Wisconsin Laborers Apprenticeship and Training, United Way and the Workforce Development Board due to past collaborations.
It was made free with the intention of creating an equitable career path with higher pay and ensuing benefits, like insurance and pensions, that come with joining a trade.
“I hear it from people working other careers and then come and change over to become a labor apprentice or if they come in as a journey worker. Given the opportunity, they’re able to now afford a home, don’t have to worry about health care,” Castillo said. “It gives them stability that the family didn’t have in the past.”
Its first cohort saw 15 people from all backgrounds and ages participate in the program. In addition to education and certifications, the Latino Academy plans to continuously support them in finding a job.
In addition to the job hunt support, graduates were also given a few gifts. Upon completion of the program, they received $500 and they will get another $500 when a job is found and another $500 for sustained employment — $1,500 total.
Steel-toe boots were also given to them along with the necessary tools for the trade, which were donated by Lowe’s
The Latino Academy hopes to hold its construction trade program 2-3 times per year until 2027.
