The Detroit Training Center (DTC) mission is to provide adults with the knowledge, tools and skills they need to bring value to their communities, families and themselves. As a vocational training school in construction equipment, truck driving, lead abatement, and other similar
careers, DTC works with contractors, for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations to connect graduates with job opportunities in metro Detroit. DTC Founder and Director Marcus Jones and fellow Founder Patrick Beal started the company in 2012. It has helped more than 1,500 Detroiters to date.
What is the history and background of Detroit Training Center?
Patrick and I noticed there was a gap in skilled workers in Detroit. For example, Patrick is a former demolition contractor in asbestos abatement and noticed there weren’t enough people to assist him on various job sites. Together we realized that with the proper training, unemployed people could become successful in various industries and earn good starting salaries.
What is Detroit Training Center’s culture?
Our team of ten work collaboratively and are focused on the same mission: rebuilding Detroit one Detroiter at a time. By helping local Detroiters get careers, learn highly competitive skills, understand soft skills and more, we are ultimately helping rebuild Detroit. In essence, our culture is to empower our students to be directly involved in the revitalization of the city.
Why did Detroit Training Center select Detroit as its headquarters?
I have a degree from the University of Michigan in Urban Planning, with a focus on Neighborhood Redevelopment and Environmental Planning. A city can’t reinvent itself if there aren’t workers to fill jobs. We selected Detroit as our headquarters to help it, and its citizens, grow.
What companies have you collaborated with in Detroit?
We’ve worked with a number of different Detroit companies, including Reclaim Detroit, DMC Consultants, EKS Services and BG Aluminum to name a few, and all have hired some of our graduates. All three of those relationships came about from our involvement with D2D.
Another Detroit relationship we have is with Alta Construction Equipment Rentals. The organization supports our heavy equipment program and diesel mechanic program, and has provided space for our new facility.
What are the benefits of connecting with other Detroit businesses?
The support from our fellow Detroit businesses has been incredible; people really believe in our mission. We have received such a warm welcome from businesses that are open to having our students on various campuses, working along with the local community. There are endless benefits to connecting with other Detroit businesses.
Brian Watkins
D2D Program Manager