As we close out 2024, it is time to share the data that tells the story of BridgeWorks' impact this year. Behind every number is a person who made a commitment to change their circumstances, and a community of staff, employers, and partners who made that change possible.
Program Enrollment and Completion
In 2024, BridgeWorks enrolled 847 participants across our four primary training tracks: construction, manufacturing, logistics, and technology. This represents a 22 percent increase over 2023 enrollment and reflects both expanded program capacity and growing demand for our services.
Our program completion rate held steady at 78 percent, which is well above the national average for workforce development programs. The 22 percent who did not complete cited a range of reasons, including family emergencies, relocation, and health issues. Our retention team follows up with every participant who leaves a program to offer re-enrollment pathways when circumstances allow.
Employment Outcomes
Of the 661 participants who completed their programs in 2024, 89 percent secured employment within ninety days of graduation. The median starting wage for placed graduates was $19.50 per hour, representing an average increase of 45 percent over pre-program earnings.
Six-month retention data, which we consider a more meaningful indicator of lasting employment, shows that 82 percent of placed graduates were still employed by the same employer six months after placement. This retention figure is a testament to both the quality of our training and the strength of our employer partnerships.
Employer Partnerships
Our employer partner network grew to 163 organizations in 2024, up from 142 the previous year. These partners span construction, manufacturing, logistics, technology, healthcare, and food service. Collectively, they posted over 1,200 positions through BridgeWorks during the year.
Employer satisfaction surveys showed that 94 percent of partners rated BridgeWorks graduates as meeting or exceeding their expectations. The most frequently cited strengths were reliability, technical preparedness, and professionalism.
Certification Achievement
BridgeWorks participants earned a total of 1,430 industry-recognized certifications in 2024. The most commonly earned credentials included OSHA 10, forklift operation, CompTIA A+, NCCER Core, and food safety certification. These credentials provide participants with portable, recognized qualifications that enhance their employability across employers and regions.
Community Impact
The economic impact of our work extends beyond individual participants. When a BridgeWorks graduate moves from unemployment to stable employment, the ripple effects reach their families, their neighborhoods, and the broader community.
Based on our data, BridgeWorks graduates collectively earned an estimated $18.6 million in wages during 2024. This income circulates through local economies, supporting businesses, housing, and community services. Additionally, stable employment reduces demand on public assistance programs, creating savings for taxpayers.
Challenges and Opportunities
While we are proud of these results, we are clear-eyed about the challenges that remain. Demand for our programs continues to outpace capacity. Wait times for some training tracks exceed six weeks, which means potential participants may lose motivation or find less effective alternatives. Expanding our physical facilities and instructional staff is a top priority for 2025.
We also recognize that certain populations remain underserved. Women in trades, individuals with disabilities, and older workers seeking career transitions are groups where we need to strengthen our outreach and programming.
Looking to 2025
The coming year will bring new programs, new partnerships, and a continued focus on outcomes that matter. We are grateful to every participant who trusted us with their career, every employer who opened their doors, and every funder and community partner who made our work possible.
The numbers tell a powerful story. But the real impact of BridgeWorks is measured in lives changed, families stabilized, and communities strengthened. We look forward to building on this foundation in the year ahead.
