Red Hook on the Road places 93 percent of its students in jobs at annual salaries over $25,000, not including benefits.
Robin Hood Portfolio: Jobs & Economic Security
Website:
www.fifthave.org
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Red Hook on the Road (RHOR) trains bus and truck drivers. In the 12 years since its launch in 1995, this four-week program has trained more than 1,100 south Brooklyn residents, the majority of whom live in public housing. High wages (average initial hourly rate: $13.62), potential for advancement and union membership are all advantages of this career path. The curriculum includes information about driving and rules of the road, details about automobile mechanics and inspection protocols, hands-on demonstration in handling vans and buses, driving lessons and practice road tests. Some RHOR graduates train for a Commercial Driver Class A License that enables them to drive tractor trailers, which typically pays over $20 an hour with excellent benefits.
RHOR is one of four workforce programs operated by the Fifth Avenue Committee (FAC) and supported by Robin Hood. The other three are Brooklyn Networks, Brooklyn Woods and a program for aspiring film crew members. Brooklyn Networks is a cable installation program that prepares low-income individuals for jobs installing and maintaining computer, voice, data, video and security system cabling. Brooklyn Woods trains low-income people for jobs in custom woodworking. The production careers training program is a partnership with the New York City Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting. It connects companies producing film, T.V., commercial and video media in New York City with a skilled entry-level labor pool while providing an opportunity for low-income New Yorkers to gain access to the production industry and launch promising careers.
All trainees are low-income or on public assistance, having been homeless, incarcerated or unemployed for a year or more. FAC provides job placement and supportive services, including assistance with child care, housing and budget concerns, as well as counseling for domestic violence or substance abuse problems. FAC also provides Individual Development Accounts (I.D.A.) to enable employment program graduates to save for advanced technical training which then can mean a significant boost in salary. I.D.A. savings are matched by FAC, either 2:1 or 3:1, depending on household income.
RHOR is featured on Sirius Satellite Radio’s Robin Hood Stories. To hear this or other Robin Hood Stories, visit www.sirius.com/robinhood.
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