Career Readiness for West Delaware Students

A new approach to a workforce shortage has West Delaware School District students creating a legacy and learning valuable career skills. Through a partnership with the Foundation for the Future of Delaware County, 25 students completed 300 hours of classroom instruction and 750 hours of hands-on training with local company Seedorff Masonry. 

“As we reframe careers in construction, we are delivering education and presenting construction careers as a first choice, not a last resort,” says Mark Guetzko, Seedorff CEO. 

“I can now go into the trade with a little bit of knowledge and experience about what needs to be done,” said program participant Conner Hansen. “Tons of other schools do not get this opportunity, so for that, I am very grateful.” 

Students in the program, which was guided by Seedorff project manager Justin Wenger, installed brick on a 1960s-era bus barn, making a lasting impact on their school. The program is anticipated to expand with future projects for the school district and the community, thus creating pride, empowerment and capital improvement at the school. 

“We are grateful to the Foundation for their support of our efforts to obtain grant funding that will help expand this program statewide,” says Guetzko. With a focus on youth and families, the Foundation supports many career preparation opportunities for Delaware County students, such as scholarships and programs for welding, masonry, glass work and nursing. 

You can make an impact for students in your community with a gift to the Foundation. Learn more at dbqfoundation.org/ffdc.