Servant’s Heart Ministry’s Workmanship Program Offers Free Construction Classes

Based on reporting by Cindy Hsu for CBS News New York.

PATERSON, NJ — A free program in Paterson is teaching adults the construction trades — and, in the process, building futures and community. At Servant’s Heart Ministry’s Workmanship Program, students meet twice a week for 13 weeks, learning hands-on skills from local professionals at no cost. The program even supplies what students need, from work boots to tools.

“They learn what a drill is and how to use an impact drill and how to use saws,” said John Oostdyk. The program seeks motivated students at least 18 years old with a drive toward construction. “They get excited when they smell wood. They get excited when they see pipe on the ground. They think they could be a plumber or an electrician,” Oostdyk said. “We’re also looking for people that … have a little bit of a drive … because the reality is construction is hard work” — work in a field where it can be hard to find enough hands for all the available jobs.

Recent graduate Gamar Virgin, who has a wife and baby at home, said the training changed his outlook. “I feel great because now I can provide for my family more because there’s always jobs around now with construction,” Virgin said. “I was at a point where I didn’t know where, exactly where I was going. Now God led me in this direction, so I’m going with it.”

Servant’s Heart Ministry runs the program and also volunteers to help other area nonprofits with construction projects — at the time of the report, the team was renovating a house for homeless men. Andres Taveras, then three weeks into the program, said the meaningful work made all the difference. “It’s giving me skills that I think are valuable throughout life,” Taveras said. “It gives me a lot of purpose. I know that I’m helping people.”

This recap is based on reporting by Cindy Hsu for CBS News New York, published October 8, 2021.

Get involved: To apply, volunteer, or support the Workmanship Program, contact Servant’s Heart Ministry or make a donation.