LAND O’ LAKES – Hope Services is celebrating the graduation of its first Construction Training Class of 2026 at the organization’s Life Skills and Vocational Training Center. The nonprofit offers vocational training and job readiness for people with disabilities and others facing barriers to employment.
Gabriel Quin, Bo Robinson, Diamante Dejesus and Terrance Hill completed the 80-hour National Center for Construction Education and Research certification course, which began on Jan. 5.
Two of the graduates will be entering the workforce through on-the-job training opportunities. The other two have secured apprenticeships with Florida Masonry.
“Graduating four individuals from our NCCER Core Construction Program represents more than the completion of a class. It represents opportunity, confidence and a real pathway to employment,” said David Caldas, executive director of operations at Hope Services. “Each graduate has shown commitment, resilience and a willingness to invest in their future. We are incredibly proud of the progress they’ve made.”
The course, taught by Vocational Training Specialist Bobby Reyes, combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning. Students gained experience using tools, practicing safety protocols and completing 14 hours of on-site work with Habitat for Humanity. The NCCER certification demonstrates each graduate’s skills and readiness to employers in the construction industry.
Hope Services credited CareerSource Pasco Hernando and the Community Foundation Tampa Bay for sponsoring the construction program and covering training costs for participants.
Caldas also played a key role in launching the organization’s Second Chance Program, which provides construction and culinary training opportunities to help break the cycle of incarceration.
In addition to its Construction and Culinary Arts programs, Hope Services offers certification in Retail and Hospitality using a similar hands-on and classroom-based approach. The organization also provides Pre-Placement Training and Self-Advocacy courses, as well as access to assistive technology through its partnership with the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology. Hope Services’ employment specialists work one-on-one with participants across West-Central Florida to help them identify their strengths and build meaningful careers.
Hope Services also hosts an annual prom-style event called Dance Your Dream for individuals ages 14 and older from 5 to 8 p.m. April 18 at Wesley Chapel District Park. Proceeds benefit Hope Services’ Life Skills and Vocational Training Center, which provides hands-on certification programs.
Visit hopegetsjobs.org/news-events/dance-your-dream/dance-your-dream-2026.html to register or explore sponsorship opportunities.
