Mid-City Electric and Franklinton Rising completed a community service renovation project on Chicago Ave. in West Franklinton in November 2016.
A complete rehab of the property, this project had a unique element that went beyond updating utilities, installing a new roof, and applying a fresh coat of paint. The construction partners, which were comprised of Mid-City Electric, Waterworks, Custom Air, and Mooth and Company Roofing, also provided a way to teach Franklinton teens about the trades by making them a part of their site crew.
The teens, or Franklinton Rising Trainees, are participants in the new program created by the non-profit, whose mission is that through the process of buying and remodeling homes, residents who are interested in developing skills in the trades are trained and prepared for employment opportunities. Once the trainee’s project is complete at Franklinton Rising, they are then equipped to complete an apprenticeship program in the skilled trades, or move on to full-time employment in the construction industry using the practical experience and training they had through the program.
Tom Heffner, executive director, said, Trainees are taking pride in their work, especially performing rough-in electrical and carpentry. Being able to work with direction but seeing the results of their own efforts is definitely satisfying. We see much more enthusiasm for coming to work on days scheduled. Sometimes they come even when not scheduled.
At the Chicago Ave. Project, seven trainees worked with the construction team, learning the basic to the complex. Trainees learned about construction safety and proper tool usage as well as how to hang drywall, install windows, and paint. All participants completed OSHA 10 training as well.
The electrical scope of work was just as hands-on as the other aspects of the job for the seven trainees. The building, which was an abandoned duplex, required an entirely new electrical service as well as finishes including devices and light fixtures. Trainees were paired with Mid-City retiree Steve Dew, along with electricians John Layman, Ray Speakmon, and Mike Derflinger. Kipp Criswell, Manpower Superintendent, has also been closely involved from the project management side, and said, Our experience with Franklinton Rising gave us the chance to not only improve the Franklinton area by remodeling this home, but expose teens to the possibility of the skilled trades.
The experience not only taught the trainees construction-focused skills though. Being on the job with these contractors exposed them to lessons that they can apply anywhere, such as how to behave professionally and meet supervisor expectations.
The team completed renovations to the Chicago Ave. house in November 2016 after six months of renovations. Franklinton Rising is currently working on another home, also on Chicago Ave., and plans to undertake 70 homes in the area over the next 10-12 years. Eleven trainees are in the program at this time.