For graduates of roofing program it's just beginning

Details: Lance Martin; News; 08 November 2024; 517

User Rating: 5 / 5

Not only did the graduates of the GAF Roofing Academy receive certificates and checks — they received jobs.

“It’s a life-changing experience,” said William Prichett. “I see doors opening to give me an opportunity to set the foundation for me to open the door for somebody else.”

Pritchett was one of four — another, Da’Qual Clark was not present — who graduated from the program and will begin working on the 150 homes projects in Littleton, a workforce housing development that uses 3D technology.

During the program the four were told their responsibilities don’t end with getting the jobs, they must work with others going through the program under the auspices of the Turning Point Workforce Development Board and the Halifax-Northampton County Reentry Council as well as others. “This is just the beginning,” Pritchett said.

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://rrspin.com/news/9698-for-graduates-of-roofing-program-it-s-just-beginning.html#sigProId5b79e90396

Maurice Saddler Jr. said of completing the program, “It means opportunities for the most part.”

After the eight months is up he said he wants to continue to do the same thing. “I don’t want to stop. I plan on this being my legacy and bringing this to the public. Whatever doors are opened I want to make sure they remain open.”

Saddler said the program was tough in light of his travel situation. “I had to catch rides to one place to get there and get back but through it all I was just glad I was able to do it. I’m ready for this.”

Graduate Lawrence Thomas Jr. said, “For people to reach out to you like this and support you, it’s an awesome feeling.”

What brought him into the program was that he said he was tired of doing the same old thing — “getting up, hanging with the fellas, hanging out in the street. I took a long look at myself and said things got to change. The opportunity to learn and to make money, that’s what really brought me here.”

Asked to explain who he is today as compared to yesterday, he said, “I’m a person that can tell a person that through God anything is possible. You have to have faith and belief — not only in yourself but in God.”

Thomas said he is ready for the responsibility ahead. “I am so ready to prove not to anyone else but to prove to myself that I can accomplish anything.”