Orion Williams

Pre-apprenticeship Construction Trades graduate, PWT

Life can be challenging for anyone, but for youth who have experienced hardships such as foster care, homelessness, or involvement with the justice system, it can feel like there’s no way forward. Orion Williams’ story highlights how the right program, mentorship, and opportunity can help transform a life.

Orion, who spent much of his childhood in foster care, found himself alone at the age of 16, facing the world without support. “I was starting to give up on life,” he admits. Everything changed when he enrolled in PTW’s transformative program. He found the guidance and tools he needed to rebuild his life through PWT’s and SSBCTC’s MC3 apprenticeship readiness program. “It had a big impact on my future because I felt like I didn’t have anybody, but once I came to this program, they set me up. They helped me get back on my feet.”

The program didn’t just teach him skilled trade skills—it provided hope. “What it taught me is no matter how many problems you face, you have to stay strong and make sure you get everything done to be successful,” Orion reflects. His journey serves as a reminder that no matter where you start, change is always possible.

“It taught me that no matter how many problems you face, you have to stay strong and make sure you get everything done to be successful.”

A key turning point for Orion came when the program helped him secure a job just weeks after completing his training. “It only took a week and a half after the program ended for me to get a job,” he says, a clear example of how quickly a life can change when someone is given the right opportunities. Orion felt ready to embrace his future with a new job and gained confidence.

Orion’s story serves as a powerful reminder that programs aimed at helping youth in need can make a profound difference in their lives, just as they did for him. CWDB is proud to fund these training opportunities to lift underserved populations into quality jobs.