Maintenance Pathways Program Builds Pipeline

Earlier this spring, WMFHA collaborated with Evergreen Goodwill to offer the Apartment Maintenance Pathways Program. The program is targeted to at-risk youth and those not on traditional career paths between 18-24 years of age. Students attend a 4 week hands-on training that utilizes the National Apartment Association’s Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT) curriculum. Upon completion of the classroom training, the students complete a 4 week paid internship with a WMFHA member company. During this time, they get to apply the technical skills in a 'real-world' environment, as well as learn to engage with residents and contribute to a team.

The instructor for the classroom portion of the program is industry veteran Ronnie Brown, CAMT. With over 30 years of multi-family maintenance experience, Ronnie is passionate about training and bringing new talent into the apartment industry. Much of the program’s success is attributed to Ronnie’s dedication and investment in each student in the program.

Another key component to the program was WMFHA’s partnership with management companies and staffing company, The Liberty Group. Emily Bryant, Seattle Branch Manager at The Liberty Group, worked diligently to place students for their internship, provide ongoing communication and support to the students AND the property training team. As students successfully completed their internships, each company had the option to hire the student permanently.

To promote their ongoing success, WMFHA will continue to provide additional training and career development opportunities through 2024 for the young people who were hired.

Thank you to the following companies that participated in providing internship opportunities:

• Thrive
• 11 Residential
• Avenue 5
• HNN
• Insite Property Solutions

If you have questions about this program, or would be interested in supporting it, or being an employer partner to provide internship opportunities, please reach out to Jason Loughridge, WMFHA's Career Develoment Manager.

Bakr Al Busaad – 11 Residential	Aidan Wolfe – HNN Communities:	Jonathan Encinias – Avenue 5