Services
PROJECT VO-TECH
“Career Readiness is Our Priority!”
Who:
The Joe A. Sanders Vo-Tech Fund, Inc., was created as a legacy and tribute in memory of the late Joe A. Sanders, Founder and CEO of Sanders Masonry, Inc.
Through technical skills from his high school and specialty courses, Joe refined his skillset as a brick mason. After completing several apprenticeships and obtaining employment with local construction companies, he became classified as a general contractor and consultant.
He established Sanders Masonry in Prince George’s County, Maryland, and further benefitted the community by employing relatives, subcontractors, and student apprentices to learn the trade while earning an income. Recognized and respected as a minority-owned business throughout the Delmarva region, Sanders Masonry thrived for 44 years until Joe’s death in September 2022.
What:
Using Joe Sanders’ career path and business model, Project Vo-Tech’s mission is to inspire and support individuals with skills and resources to achieve employment and career success.
The Project’s long-term strategic plan involves mentoring and facilitating business apprenticeship opportunities.
Why:
How:
Project Vo-Tech was founded and works to create a stronger workforce, a more resilient economy, and a brighter future for Maryland’s young people.
Maryland and the surrounding areas are facing a growing skills gap that has resulted in young people being unaware of vocational and technical education career paths. Employers are struggling to find qualified vocational and technical skilled workers.
Project Vo-Tech will provide early exposure to career options that will bridge the skills gap and ensure individuals make informed decisions about future careers and employment that will strengthen Maryland’s workforce. The Project will also provide hands-on training for high-demand vocational and technical jobs in support of Maryland’s CTE (Career and Technical Education) goals.
Project Vo-Tech implements the following steps to fulfill its mission:
Step 1: Career Awareness and Readiness
Connecting individuals to information and resources that provide job-specific skills needed to succeed in high-demand vocational and technical jobs for the 21st century and beyond
Step 2: Educational Support
Supporting students at the middle school level to build an educational foundation that develops specialized skills that are engaging and critical components of workforce development and lifelong learning
Step 3: Training Opportunities
Providing practical experience through courses, internships, apprenticeships, and hands-on experiences that are direct pathways to employment
Step 4: Certifications and Licensure
Collaborating with partners to provide career exploration opportunities and skill development that will ensure certifications, industry credentials, improved graduation rates, and successful employment in high demand jobs and bridges to future education
Step 5: Gainful Employment & Career Success!
Modeling the career pathway of Joe A. Sanders, Project Vo-Tech participants will gain successful employment as skilled and certified workers, start a small business, and/or earn career success as an entrepreneur.