Jersson Isidoro signed up this year for a new pre-apprenticeship program in Madison, hoping it would help guide the next steps of his career in the skilled trades.

He learned construction basics like scaffolding and concrete work. He practiced safety measures and math. And now, he has a job in insulation.

“(The program is) really important,” Isidoro said. “It helps people that are not sure what to do after high school or just if they are interested in the construction area.”

The program, run by the Latino Academy of Workforce Development, was available to more than a dozen students free of charge, and students were paid for their work while training. A $300,000 Lowe’s Foundation grant funded the program and will fund its continued development over the next two years.

Isidoro said he applied after learning about the program through a career fair. Adults authorized to work in the United States with at least an intermediate level of English were eligible to participate. To complete the two-week course, students had to pass testing requirements, an interview and a variety of construction trainings.

“I applied those skills where I work now, like the safety stuff,” Isidoro said. “I’d be more careful, because safety is the most important part when you’re in the field.”

The Lowe’s Foundation awarded 15 of the grants this year to nonprofits, all focused on workforce training in the skilled trades. The Latino Academy’s grant was the only award to a Wisconsin nonprofit.

Nydia Martinez, the Latino Academy’s executive director, said the grant is providing more than money to launch and operate the training course.

“Not only (did the foundation) give us this funding, but they also helped us to establish a partnership with the Lowe’s stores,” Martinez said. “They provided additional tools and support for our students.”

Other partners in the pre-apprenticeship program include the Laborers’ International Union of North America, the Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin and United Way of Dane County.

“They supported the program by helping us to address some access barriers,” Martinez said. “For example, providing resources like … gas gift cards to support individuals to be able to travel to the training areas.”