Published: October 10, 2024
Norton West Louisville Hospital, under construction at the corner of 28th Street and West Broadway, is set to open Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, yet lives are being transformed already through the work happening on the job site.
The Urban Workforce Development Initiative (UWDI), a program developed by the hospital’s general contractor, Harmon/Messer Construction Co., in partnership with Louisville Urban League, held a graduation ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, for 15 individuals who have been preparing for long-term sustainable employment in commercial construction trades while helping build the first hospital west of Ninth Street in more than 150 years.
Working together with Norton Healthcare, Louisville Urban League and Kentuckiana Builds, UWDI is designed to invest in the development of underserved or underprivileged residents in the urban core who are facing economic and employment challenges. UWDI creates pathways to stable, well-paying careers in the construction industry.
“We create a pipeline directly from West Louisville into these career opportunities that provide benefits — health, dental, vision — in addition to paychecks,” said Stanley Warrenhuffman, economic inclusion manager, Messer Construction.
After Louisville Urban League identifies job candidates, those individuals complete the Kentuckiana Builds program and are placed on the job site to earn an offer letter from local contractors. Through UWDI, participants receive additional wraparound services to support their new career.
“Our goal is to find individuals who want to show up every day on time, and they’re committed to that, and to give them an opportunity to show that, and earn their way into the trades,” Warrenhuffman said.
Norton Healthcare has been as inclusive as possible in the construction of the new hospital, inviting the West Louisville community to “build with them.”
“It was very important for us to get buy-in from the (West Louisville) community, and I don’t think there’s any other way to get better buy-in than to have the community be involved in the construction of the project,” said Anthony Mathis, system director, sustainability and supplier diversity, Norton Healthcare. “The exciting thing is that we’re building more than just a health care facility. We’re building hope, compassion and a brighter future for this community.”
“UWDI is an incredible innovation in how we move people from thinking about jobs in construction to launching them into high-wage earning careers,” said Lyndon Pryor, President and CEO of the Louisville Urban League. “What this group of partners has been able to achieve with hard-working men and women is nothing short of amazing. Reimagining the skyline and community impact of projects like this new hospital is the success the West End deserves.”
When Norton West Louisville Hospital opens, it will bring more jobs, in addition to healing and hope, to the residents of West Louisville. The hospital will include an emergency room, primary and specialty care offices, inpatient and outpatient services, community space and a pharmacy. For career opportunities at the hospital, visit NortonHealthcare.com/NWLH-Jobs.
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