Joshua Burrell ~ Boston, MA - Joshua Burrell-Thompson, a graduate of PowerCorps Boston's Cohort 3 in June 2023, has recently been promoted to Foreman at the City of Boston's Parks and Recreation Department. This impressive achievement comes less than two years after completing the 10-month workforce development program.

PowerCorps Boston, a program led by the Worker Empowerment Cabinet in partnership with the Environment Department, aims to provide career opportunities for young adults aged 18-30 in the green industry. Participants are paid to participate in hands-on training and receive career readiness support and connections to employers.

Raised by his grandmother in the South End, Joshua was working as a food delivery person and trying to figure out his next steps when he discovered PowerCorps. "I came across PowerCorps - that was probably the best thing that could have happened to me," he said.

The program's curriculum consists of two phases. The first phase, Foundations, is a four-month training program where participants focus on workforce-readiness skills and are introduced to green industry careers. They also receive necessary support services to complete the rigorous program. The second phase, Industry Academy, is a six-month training where participants can specialize in one of three tracks: Urban Forestry, Building Operations, or Urban Greening.

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Despite having no prior experience in urban forestry, Joshua was drawn to this track. "I think that's why I wanted to try it. It was different," he said. Although he was initially unsure about trying something new, Joshua credits PowerCorps for helping him manage stress and work better with others. "In the moment, things might be frustrating, but there's a bigger goal. That's something PowerCorps helped me see," he said.

Davo Jefferson, Executive Director of PowerCorps Boston, spoke highly of Joshua's journey through the program. "Josh came to PowerCorps a bit rough around the edges, but he showed tremendous potential," said Jefferson. "He followed that up by consistently showing up with a positive attitude, being open-minded to different perspectives, and always embracing opportunities to gain new professional hard and soft skills that would position him for a successful career."

After graduating from PowerCorps, Joshua briefly worked in roof work before landing a role as a Tree Equipment Operator at the City of Boston's Parks and Recreation Department. This position was created specifically for PowerCorps graduates. Today, Joshua works as a Foreman, leading a two-person crew on tree jobs across the city. "It's fun. I get to train new people, make sure the site is ready, and plan out the day," he said.

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Joshua also credits his team at the Parks Department for making his job enjoyable. "My crew is amazing. Everyone's positive. If there's an issue, we communicate, which is something a lot of workplaces don't have," he shared.

Looking towards the future, Joshua hopes to become a General Foreman and go back to school to become an arborist. His advice to anyone considering PowerCorps? "Leave your ego at home," he said. "Be open to learning, meeting new people, and asking for help when you need it. The program can really change your direction - if you let it."

To learn more about PowerCorps Boston and their impactful work in the community, visit boston.gov/powercorps.

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