Published: Jul 14, 2025
CWDB’s Pathway to Sustainability High Road Construction Careers project provides pre-apprenticeship readiness training for entry into the construction trades thanks to a partnership between People Working Together (PWT) and the Sacramento Sierra Building and Construction Trades Council (SSBCTC). CWDB’s funding gives PWT the resources it needs to address the real-time needs of participants by providing transportation, rental, and utility assistance, stipends, mentorship, counseling, and more.
Adriana Martin is living proof that no matter how dark the past, there’s always a path forward if you’re willing to fight for it.
At just 14, Adriana fell into addiction, experimenting with marijuana and Ecstasy. By 17, she was using crystal meth, a battle that would consume her life for over a decade. Adriana’s world spiraled into chaos. Homeless, addicted, pregnant with her second child, and living in a tent, she found herself at the ultimate crossroads.
With nothing but a train ticket and hope, Adriana left her hometown and landed in Sacramento. In the depths of rock bottom, that she made the life-changing decision to get clean and stay sober.
With the support of her wife and People Working Together (PWT) ’s transformative six-week program funded in part by CWDB, Adriana found strength in structure, physical training, and a support system that refused to let her give up. “I was overweight, out of shape, and still recovering,” Adriana recalls. “But training with Miguel during the program helped me build endurance—physically and mentally.”
After PWT, her journey wasn’t easy. It took nearly a year before she was hired as a a sprinkler fitter with the local union. Working with the union she remained patient, stayed prepared, and eventually found her calling.
Today, she’s four years into her apprenticeship, owns a home, pays a mortgage, and enjoys life with her wife, children, pets, and even a boat.
Adriana’s advice to anyone struggling: “Be patient. Don’t give up. Even if it doesn’t work out right away, just keep going. It’ll come together.”
Watch Adriana’s success story: https://youtu.be/4OP1DCnk1q0
Sydney Randall’s journey is one of grit, grace, and growth. Raised by a single mother with five siblings, Sydney didn’t learn the basic tools to navigate life’s obstacles successfully. Like many young men without structure, he made choices that landed him in prison by the age of 20.
“I was facing a decade inside, not knowing who I was or if I’d ever amount to anything,” Sydney recalls.
But everything changed when he gave his life to God and was introduced to CWDB partner People Working Together (PWT), a workforce development program dedicated to transforming lives through skilled trades, mentorship, and a strong support system.
When Sydney joined PWT in 2021, he discovered more than just training—he found a family.
“They gave me opportunities that helped me overcome the flaws I thought I had. I learned trades, got back into school, and worked on myself,” he says. “They didn’t just prepare me for a job; they prepared me for life.”
PWT helped Sydney become a certified flagger, laborer, and eventually a union journeyman, earning $35 an hour. He picked up skills in drywall, painting, flooring, and electrical work, and was even featured in the Bricklayers, Tilesetters, and Allied Craftsworkers Local 3 newspaper.
But his story doesn’t stop there. PWT supported Sydney’s dreams every step of the way— providing transportation, helping him earn his contractor’s license, and offering guidance to keep him grounded during tough times. CWDB’s support for PWT covers not only job training, but also the essential supportive services that help participants succeed.
“Now I feel peace in my success,” Sydney said. “This is my family… and I’m keeping them.”
Sydney is living proof that with the right support system, transformation is possible, no matter where you start.
Watch Sydney’s interview: https://youtu.be/U3rVKywR_-k
When Leeshun Nathaniel moved to California with just $1,000, he was searching for a fresh start—a job, a career, and a chance to grow. But reality set in quickly. His money ran out, and he found himself homeless, bouncing between 24-hour diners and shelters, and plagued by bedbugs. “I was just trying to become a better person,” Leeshun shared. “But I had no idea how tough it would get.”
Everything changed when he met Pastor Kevin Brown. Brown introduced him to People Working Together (PWT) and SSBCTC’s Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) Pre-Apprenticeship Program—a nine-week training course that prepares people for careers in the construction industry. CWDB funds partnerships with construction trade councils to ensure structured training pathways lead to good-paying jobs.
“Pastor Brown told me about this opportunity,” Leeshun said. “They were going to teach us pre-construction skills, help us get ready for the job site, and even follow through with support after graduation. I knew I had to go all in.”
Through PWT, Leeshun finally found more than just a training program—he found a family.
“PWT was a blessing,” he said. “They helped me with bus passes, gas cards, even rides to class. But more than that—they believed in me when no one else did.”
After graduating, Leeshun landed a job as an ironworker with Local 118 and is currently working on the UC Davis Sky Tower, a multi-billion-dollar project. He’s also gained hands-on experience with solar panel installations, rebar, structural steel, and more.
“From nothing to something. That’s how I describe my journey,” Leeshun said. “PWT helped me build a real future. They became like family.” His advice? “Set small goals, stay persistent, and never give up. If I can do it, anyone can.”
Watch Leeshun’s interview: https://youtu.be/pGzXn18eivs
When life hits hard, it can feel like there’s no way forward. For Jerry Williams, the loss of his son left him spiraling, shut off from the world, and uncertain about his future. But one simple act of courage—showing up—changed everything.
Jerry came to People Working Together (PWT) searching for clarity, purpose, and healing. What he found was more than a workforce development program. He found a community. “I had gone through some changes before I got here. I lost my son, and I shut out the world. I didn’t know where I was headed.”
The program was initially full, but Jerry didn’t let that stand in his way. He showed up on the first day hoping for a miracle. “That night, Michael called me and said someone didn’t show up. They had an open spot. That’s how I got in.”
What happened next was transformational. Surrounded by mentors, peers, and staff who truly cared, Jerry began to heal and grow. “To see the light come on in other people’s eyes as they got the program… that made me want to hang in there even more.”
Now, Jerry isn’t just surviving; he’s thriving. And he’s paying it forward by inspiring others.
“This isn’t just a program. These are people who care. If you get a chance to come to PWT, give it your all. Because they won’t give up on you.”
At PWT, stories like Jerry’s are not the exception—they are the reason the program exists. Through skill-building, mentorship, and second chances, PWT is changing lives one participant at a time. Support from the California Workforce Development Board makes it possible for them to continue this vital work.
Watch Jerry’s interview: https://youtu.be/7Iwro018gN4
When Alexis Hernandez joined People Working Together (PWT) in October 2024, he wasn’t sure what the future held. Before starting the MC3 apprenticeship readiness program funded by HRCC’s Pathway to Sustainability, he was stuck in a non-union scaffolding job that offered no benefits, no retirement plan, and no opportunities for advancement. Like many others in the construction industry, he was showing up every day to a job that didn’t feel like a career.
“It felt like a dead-end,” Alexis shared. “The money you make, that’s it. No retirement, no real benefits. I needed to turn things around—not just for me, but for my mom. She raised us by herself, and I wanted to help her.”
Alexis’s breakthrough came when his colleague had completed the PWT program and spoke highly of its impact. Inspired by his friend’s dedication and drive, Alexis applied and was accepted.
At PWT, Alexis experienced something new: structure, discipline, and preparation for the real construction world. “Mr. Brown ran the program like a real job site. If you’re late, you’re not working. It taught us how to be reliable, and that’s what unions and contractors are looking for.”
The program offered training that allowed Alexis to obtain certifications in critical skills like OSHA 30 safety training, CPR, Forklift, Flagging, and Traffic Control. These gave him a leg up when applying to the Ironworkers Union. “Because I had earned these certifications, I was able to skip to the front of the line. I didn’t have to start at the very bottom.”
Now a proud member of Iron Workers Local 118, Alexis sees the stark difference between union and non-union work. “In the union, they care about your safety. They care about you. That’s something I never felt before. After I was hired, PWT helped pay for the tools I needed and paid my union dues so I could get started without falling behind in my bills.”
Today, Alexis is not just working—he’s building a career, a future, and a legacy. His story is a testament to what’s possible when opportunity meets preparation.
Watch Alexis’s interview: https://youtu.be/tBMGvspIFmY
When transformation walks into the room, it doesn’t always knock. Sometimes, it starts with a simple question: “Where’d you get that license?” For Trenika Sandidge, that question sparked a journey that would change the trajectory of her life, both professionally and personally. Inspired by a friend who earned a Flagger’s license, Trenika decided to take a chance and apply for People Working Together’s and SSBCTC’s MC3 apprenticeship readiness construction program.
She knew from the moment she stepped into orientation that “This is where I need to be.”
What started as curiosity turned into a full-circle moment of growth. “I had a ball. I learned so much. The teachers were awesome,” Trenika recalled, reflecting on her experience.
But this program didn’t just offer certifications. It provided a shift in mindset. “It humbled me so fast,” she said. “When I first came in, I thought I already knew my career path. But being surrounded by like-minded people with big goals made me realize I had more growing to do.”
The CWDB-funded program didn’t just provide training; it provided vision. “It gives you all the certifications you need. It puts you in a place that takes you out of where you were before and into where you need to go.”
This once-hesitant student is now thriving and excited for the future. “It’s exceeding my expectations—still, to this day,” Trenika shared with energy and hope. Her advice to future students? “Just keep coming. Be open-minded. Keep learning. Your career path is on the way.”