KANSAS CITY, Mo. — KCI and two construction companies are making it possible for people who want to get in the industry to get trained.
Saturday was the last day for people who were interested in welding, electrical and other similar careers to apply for the workforce training program.
More than 100 people were lined up registering to take the entry test when the doors opened.
In line was Denise Dillard and her son, who just earned his welding certificate.
She was not only there to support him. She wanted to "walk with him" through the process. Dillard is applying for the program like her son.
"I just want to do something different," Dillard said. "I want to see the world from a different perspective. I'm here not only to represent the women but to support my son and to take advantage of a different opportunity."
KCI, along with Edgemoor, is looking to give people the opportunity to be part of building the new KCI terminal, focusing on those who have little or no construction experience.
"You got welding that is involved, pipe fitting, you got electrical, plumbing," said Anthony Slaughter, workforce director for KCI, referencing jobs these candidates would be focusing on.
If selected, people will go through three weeks of training in the classroom, along with receiving a $400 weekly, stipend, a KC Ride pass for the time they train and child-care assistance.
Organizers said once they are done, participants leave with a job.
"When they complete the three week program, they will go work for that contractor on the project," Slaughter said.
Dillard and her son want welding jobs at KCI. Through it all, she hopes to show women too can be in the construction industry.
"This opens the opportunity for advancements for women, for women of color, for people with disabilities, just for everybody. It's inclusive," Dillard said.
There are plans to be more than 10 workforce training programs that will focus on different areas of skills.
