Urban Workforce Development Initiative
UWDI is building full-time, sustainable careers
Messer is committed to investing in the career growth and success of underrepresented men and women through the Urban Workforce Development Initiative (UWDI). It began as an initiative in Cincinnati through the Cincinnati Children's Critical Care Building project. Now, it has expanded throughout the city and to other regions.
The program manager serves in the role of recruiting, administration, background checks and drug tests.
Work hardening provides real-world experience to reinforce professional development, construction-specific skills and life skills.
Case management helps participants mitigate barriers like transportation, childcare, housing, etc. so they are best prepared for long-term, sustainable success.
Working with community partners and subcontractors to help individuals enter sustainable careers.
Over 150 lives impacted by UWDI.
A catalyst for change through UWDI
The focus on inclusion and the removal of barriers is of utmost importance.
"....since then, it's given me a total lifestyle change and given me direction in my life."
Louisville resident Houston B. shares his experience and growth with UWDI. He shares how hardwork and dedication helped give him a second chance and become a first-year plumbing apprentice.
UWDI helps individuals find their career path. "I needed to move toward another career. I always wanted to do construction, I just didn't know how."
A graduate's perspective on how the Urban Workforce Development Initiative (UWDI) helped create a path for a sustainable career. This and so much more insight is available in the Health Facilities Magazine article. It describes the transformational care and impact on the community including perspectives from a client, subcontractor, other UWDI graduates, and an UWDI manager.