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.

Jerry Williams

Pre-apprenticeship Construction Trades graduate, PWT

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 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, and CWDB’s funding allows them to continue to do this important work.  

Watch Jerry’s interview: https://youtu.be/7Iwro018gN4