For the second year, the San Diego Job Corps Center partnered with the Achievement Academy of the San Diego Housing Commission in offering their students a certificate painter’s training program by Sherwin-Williams.

Job Corps students and rental assistance clients of the San Diego Housing Commission trained side-by-side in the annual ‘Home-Work’ Paint Training Course, which is one of a number of programs of the Achievement Academy of the San Diego Housing Commission.

Richard C. Gentry, President and Chief Executive Officer of the San Diego Housing Commission brought the program three years ago to the Achievement Academy.  “Our trainees receive professional instruction and hands-on experience by Sherwin-Williams.  Upon finishing the program, they walk out of here proud of their accomplishments.”

Bob Ballew, who retired from Sherwin-Williams after 31 years of service, is the west coast trainer for this Home-Work program.  “The company asked if I would come out of retirement and help coordinate this nation-wide program,” he stated.  “For the past 4 years I’ve traveled to cities like San Diego, Los Angeles Oakland, and Fresno to help train low-income people for jobs in the paining industry.  The five day training includes an EPA Lead Paint Certificate-a mandatory certificate for all contractors painting homes built before 1978; in addition to technical and on-site training.”

One of the Job Corps students who received training was 17 year old Yohan Favela, enrolled in the center’s Painting Career Technical Training course, and planning on a career in the painting industry.  “The training has been good throughout this program,” he stated.  “I’m enjoying painting with the people from the Housing Commission.”

Richard, an 18 year old rental assistant client of the Housing Commission has been working with Yohan, painting classrooms and dormitories at Job Corps. “I got laid off from my job and took advantage of this opportunity to learn how to paint,” he advised.  “It’s the first formal training I’ve received in painting and I’ve enjoyed it.  It certainly is a potential career for me.”