April 2014 - HK Contractors and Development Renovates Historic House of Worship in Philadelphia
HK Contractors and Development recently completed a total interior renovation of the Masjidullah Mosque in Philadelphia. Once a synagogue, then a church, and now a mosque, the 7,000 square foot interior was done to client's specifications in a Moroccan style and includes a banquet hall and prayer rooms.
The local Trenton DVRS Office, a division of the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development, has partnered with HK Contractors & Development, LLC to implement an innovative program in general construction to provide ex-offenders with disabilities with exposure and hands-on instruction, on-the-job training, and eventual employment in the field of general construction.
The program is considered a demonstration project, and is funded through the NJ DVRS Project CLOSER Initiative. It is intended to demonstrate a unique approach to help customers with criminal records to learn a marketable skill and gain employment in an in-demand occupation, despite the barriers to employment associated with having a criminal record.
Interns learn employability techniques from Job Coach Tracy Kelly of HK Contractors & Development
The program started in October 2012 and is being implemented in two phases. Phase 1 entails a 12-week paid internship that provides hands-on instruction and demonstrations to a small group of ex-offenders. They are learning the basic introductory aspects of general construction such as safety, demolition, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, masonry, etc. They are also being given the opportunity to practice the skills being taught in order to prepare them to transition into OJT (On-the-Job Training) for the more intensive training that will be involved in Phase 2. There are currently eight interns enrolled. There is also increased interest being expressed by other customers as they hear about the program.
DVRS interns work on wall and floor framing
Phase 2 of the program involves the Job Development and Placement Phase. Each intern will be assisted with placement with a local contractor or company for more intensive OJT and permanent employment. An OJT Agreement will be negotiated between the Intern/Customer, DVRS, and the Construction Company whereby DVRS will agree to reimburse the company 50% of gross wages for a period of one to six months, after which the intern becomes a permanent employee. According to Tracy Kelly of HK Contractors, a number of local construction companies have already been contacted, and the prospects are very promising.
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December 2011 - HK Contractors & Development is proud to announce the company's appointment to the Trenton Green Team, recently created as part of Mayor Tony F. Mack’s commitment to make the City of Trenton a greener and more sustainable city for its residents and businesses.
HK Contractors & Development President Tracy Kelly addresses the Trenton Green Team, December 21, 2011
A member of the Trenton business community for almost a quarter century, HK Contractors joins such local leaders as Isles, PSE&G, Martin House, Mercer County Community College, Trenton Makes, Green Living Consultants and more on the newly formed Green Team. The Team is responsible for implementing the mayor's Green Plan, which includes establishing community gardens in each city ward, utilizing more energy efficient utilities in municipal buildings, purchasing local products, using more environmentally friendly cleaning products in City Hall, and improving the climate and air quality in the City.
Read more about Mayor Mack's Green Team initiative here, and see more photos of the event here.
Interns learn employability techniques from Job Coach Tracy Kelly of HK Contractors & Development 
DVRS interns work on wall and floor framing 
HK Contractors & Development President Tracy Kelly addresses the Trenton Green Team, December 21, 2011