Building Aspirations Through Technical Training

"I've learned a lot of things I thought I'd never have a chance to do," declares Robert Sprague, a mechanical maintenance helper who works at a government building complex in Newark, New Jersey.

The native of Manhattan's Lower East Side joined Fedcap Rehabilitation Services, an AbilityOne® authorized provider founded in 1935, right out of his high school special education program in 2004. Sprague says he struggled with his writing for many years and found solace in a training program jointly operated by his high school and Fedcap, which taught training and mechanical skills.

Sprague was first employed as a stock worker at a government site in Brooklyn, and later, as a janitor in a government building in Lower Manhattan. There, he cleaned and polished the bronze exterior doors in addition to other janitorial duties.

Persistence and Desire

Andrew Hodge, Fedcap project manager, first supervised Sprague when he transferred to his current work location in 2006. Hodge says Sprague is "always the first in line with his hand up to help, no matter what needs to be done."

"[Hodge] taught me so many things. He gave me the tools I needed to succeed," says Sprague. "When Jonathan Cray took over for Andrew, he pushed me to do more. Now I know janitorial, mechanical, landscaping stuff and can fill in on any of those things."

That persistence gave Hodge and Anthony Russomano, Fedcap director of operations, confidence in recommending that Sprague enroll in the SourceAmerica Total Facilities Maintenance (TFM) training program to build his career.

"Robert wants to have a more prominent role in the company. He wants to become a mechanic, but even more, he wants to become a supervisor. Others already go to him for advice on how to get things done," says Hodge.

Technical Training in the Trades

SourceAmerica's Workforce Development team created the virtual TFM training program in response to challenges recruiting and retaining workers with disabilities who have the right skills to work on TFM contracts. The accessible and inclusive training program encourages upward mobility on AbilityOne® Program contracts and can lead to certifications that people with disabilities can use to find employment outside of the Program.

In 2022, the team met with subject matter experts to review contracts, job descriptions and to discuss common barriers and needs in the TFM industry. They then developed a list of tasks and skills representing the knowledge and skills a worker would need to complete the journey from laborer or maintenance trades helper to a general maintenance worker.

After selecting a vendor experienced in offering training for this specific skill set, Workforce Development developed a curriculum of 30 courses that takes between 35 and 50 hours to complete. The training is fully online and self-paced.

Topics include personal protective equipment, units of measurement, and how to use specific tools. Course modules teach students how to perform common service requests in carpentry, painting, landscaping, interior finishing and more.

According to Beth Meier, SourceAmerica inclusive curriculum designer, all course modules include knowledge tests, and several include virtual reality simulations to train people on how to diagnose and fix problems. "Modules that use virtual reality simulations to investigate problems have been very popular."

The knowledge tests "refreshed the information in my head," says Sprague, and made it easier for him to put what he learned to use on the job.

The TFM training program launched on July 5, 2023, and SourceAmerica accepts applications from employees within SourceAmerica’s AbilityOne authorized provider network on a rolling basis.

Building Skills

Throughout a typical workday, Sprague is dispatched throughout the building complex to support different service requests with a painter, a lead worker and another mechanical helper.

"The [TFM] program gave me a good insight how the job works," says Sprague. "They used virtual trainings to show how things are done, and I was able to apply it to what I do."

Sprague may paint or compound walls, hang fixtures, change ceiling tiles, assemble hardware and furniture, as well as pitch in and support janitorial requirements when needed.

"Being cross trained with the janitorial side enabled me to help cover additional needs during the Covid pandemic," says Sprague.

Building Aspirations

Having completed the TFM training program, Sprague is building both his technical and management skills.

"Going through the training modules was great – there was so much information. For a young person who is trying to find their way, it gives you an idea of what you can do for a career," he says.

Now, Sprague is going back to school to earn his GED diploma and aims to stay with Fedcap and grow within the company.

"I'm working on the night shift now—I’m learning to manage a small team. I’d like to continue that and be able to manage larger teams," Sprague says. "I think management is a place for me. I enjoy the management part because it gives me a chance to help people like they've helped me."

Building a Full Life

Growing professionally is only part of Sprague's life plan. Even more important is his family life. Robert and his wife have been together for 16 years and have a daughter who studies fashion at an area fashion and design school.

"One of my favorite things during my time at Fedcap is watching Robert help his daughter navigate school and her interests," says Hodge. "I'm proud of the father and man he's become."

In addition to her fashion design studies, Sprague' also takes lessons at an area dance school.

"I wanted to make sure I can support my daughter's dreams and goals," says Sprague. "She wants to be a dancer, so we put her in salsa, meringue, and other passions. If there's any way I can support her, that's what I want to do."

For information on the SourceAmerica TFM training program, please contact CustomerService@SourceAmerica.org.