In the Spotlight
People Working Together

Sacramento, CA – CWDB’s Pathway to Sustainability High Road Construction Careers (HRCC) project provides pre-apprenticeship readiness training for entry into the construction trades. The project’s partners, People Working Together (PWT) and the Sacramento-Sierra’s Building and Construction Trades Council (SSBCTC), work together to ensure participants get the training they need to be successful. CWDB’s funding gives PWT the resources to address the real-time needs of participants by providing transportation, rental, and utility assistance, stipends, mentorship, counseling, and more.

Leeshun Nathaniel
Pre-apprenticeship Construction Trades graduate, PWT

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 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. They helped me with bus passes, gas cards, even rides to class. But more than that, they believed in me with 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 installallations, 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