New construction trades training program reaching veterans, opportunity youth, and residents who face barriers to employment will help address labor shortages
WILMINGTON, N.C. As part of its commitment to bringing new ideas, demonstrated models, and collaborative investment to New Hanover County, The Endowment is partnering with the Charles Koch Foundation, the Lennar Foundation, and the Building Talent Foundation to expand access to high-quality workforce training for residents through a $370,000 grant to Cape Fear Community College Foundation, including a grant from Live Oak Bank. The investment will support implementation of the Lennar Foundation Construction Trades Program at CFCC’s North Campus, equipping participants with foundational skills for entry-level careers in the construction industry.
“The Endowment is deeply grateful to the Lennar Foundation and the Charles Koch Foundation for sharing their knowledge, resources, and experience with us,” said Sophie Dagenais, President & CEO of The Endowment. “We are also grateful to Live Oak Bank for its grant in support of this program. These collaborations allow us to learn, adapt, and bring high-quality, evidence-based workforce solutions to the communities we serve. We look forward to many more opportunities to collaborate with funders who bring fresh ideas and expertise that strengthen our collective impact in service of our mission.”
The 12–13-week program includes instruction in job-site safety, basic math, and tool identification. Upon completion, participants earn both the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Core credential and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 30-hour certification. The program also provides wraparound support services, including résumé preparation, mock interviews, and guidance in developing essential employability skills. Participants will gain construction knowledge, workplace safety certifications, and practical, job-readiness skills aligned with local employer demand. Graduates will transition directly into jobs with participating construction employers. StepUp Wilmington will lead student recruitment and case management, with a focus on justice-involved individuals, opportunity youth, veterans, and others who face barriers to employment. Lennar Foundation and the Building Talent Foundation will work with their regional construction trades partners to support employer engagement and job placement.
New Hanover County is experiencing significant construction labor shortages as residential, commercial, and industrial development continues to grow, placing pressure on an already limited workforce. By bringing this proven training model to the region, the program will expand economic opportunity for residents while simultaneously addressing local labor needs with a reliable pipeline of job-ready, highly skilled workers. The construction skills training and placement model was developed by the Lennar Foundation and the Building Talent Foundation. The Charles Koch Foundation first supported the program’s expansion in North Carolina through a site in Charlotte and plans to continue supporting its replication across the state.
“The Lennar Foundation is proud to expand this proven workforce model to New Hanover County,” said Justin Dickason, Director, East Region of the Lennar Foundation. “The Lennar Foundation Construction Trades Program has demonstrated success in preparing participants for careers in construction through high-quality training, industry-recognized credentials, and strong employer connections. We’re excited to see this partnership bring that model to more communities and create new opportunities for residents while helping meet workforce needs.”
“At the Charles Koch Foundation, we believe expanding access to skills-based education and workforce pathways can help more people build meaningful careers and achieve greater economic mobility,” said Laura Demarse, Vice President at Charles Koch Foundation. “We’re proud to support the continued growth of this proven model in North Carolina and to partner with The Endowment and other funders to strengthen the regional workforce. Bringing this program to New Hanover County is part of a broader effort to connect more residents across North Carolina to opportunity, employment, and long-term success.”
CFCC will offer the program three times per year, training and placing up to 120 students annually. Transportation support will be provided to ensure participants have reliable access to CFCC’s North Campus.
“At Live Oak Bank, we believe programs like this create real momentum for both individuals and our community,” said Kate Groat, managing director of corporate philanthropy at Live Oak Bank. “They help people access careers that offer stability, benefits, and upward mobility, while ensuring our region has the skilled workforce needed to support continued growth and essential services.”
About The Endowment
The Endowment’s mission is to improve the health, education, safety, and economic opportunity of every person in New Hanover County. For more about The Endowment and to stay informed about upcoming grant opportunities, visit www.theendowment.org.
About The Charles Koch Foundation
The Charles Koch Foundation works to ensure all people have the opportunity to live a life of meaning and contribution based on their unique gifts and aptitudes. It does this by investing in social entrepreneurs who can transform the institutions most responsible for lifelong learning, post-secondary education, and business, empowering people to engage in work that creates virtuous cycles of mutual benefit.
About The Lennar Foundation
Founded in 1989, the Lennar Foundation supports organizations that assist underserved communities across its three pillars: Community, Education, and Health. Building on Lennar’s long history of serving families across America, the Foundation is committed to giving back and creating lasting impact in local communities.
About The Building Talent Foundation
The Building Talent Foundation works to advance the education, training, and career progression of young people and people from underrepresented groups as skilled technical workers and business owners in residential construction. Through its efforts, the Foundation aims to address the severe and persistent labor shortage across the skilled trades by improving talent supply, training, and retention.
About Live Oak Bank
Live Oak Bank, a subsidiary of Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE: LOB), is a digitally focused, FDIC-insured bank serving customers across the country. Live Oak brings efficiency and excellence to the banking process, without branches, by using a focused approach to technology and innovation. To learn more, visit liveoak.bank.