Joshua Burrell-Thompson, a graduate of PowerCorps Boston’s Cohort 3, has quickly ascended the ranks in the City of Boston’s Parks and Recreation Department, earning a promotion to Foreman less than two years after completing the program.
PowerCorps Boston, a 10-month workforce development initiative run by the Worker Empowerment Cabinet in cooperation with the Environment Department, aims to equip young adults aged 18 to 30 with essential job skills and hands-on training in the green sector while connecting them with potential employers.
Raised by his grandmother in the South End, Joshua found himself making food deliveries and contemplating his next steps when he stumbled upon the PowerCorps program. “I came across PowerCorps—that was probably the best thing that could have happened to me,” he shared enthusiastically.
The program consists of two primary phases. The first phase, Foundations, is a rigorous four-month training regimen focusing on workforce readiness, introducing participants to careers in the green industry alongside providing necessary support services.
Participants hone soft skills while acquiring environmental hard skills that are valuable in various employment settings. Following this foundational phase, graduates enter the Industry Academy, a six-month specialization training that offers three distinct tracks: Urban Forestry, Building Operations, and Urban Greening.
Joshua gravitated towards the Urban Forestry track, despite having no prior experience in that field. His initial skepticism quickly dissipated as he realized that every participant was on a personal mission. “I think that’s why I wanted to try it. It was different. My mission was just trying to get to a better position in life,” he explained.
During his time in PowerCorps, Joshua developed not only technical skills—such as operating chainsaws and different types of trucks—but also crucial life skills, including stress management and teamwork. “In the moment, things might be frustrating, but there’s a bigger goal. That’s something PowerCorps helped me see,” he reflected.
Davo Jefferson, Executive Director of PowerCorps, highlighted Joshua’s potential, stating, “Josh came to PowerCorps a bit rough around the edges, but he showed tremendous potential. The question was whether he was ready to tap into that potential. He was indeed ready.”
Jefferson praised Joshua’s commitment to personal development, noting the hard work he put into shedding bad habits and maintaining a consistently positive attitude throughout his training.
After graduating, Joshua briefly took on roof work before securing a position as a Tree Equipment Operator within the Parks and Recreation Department, a role specially designated for PowerCorps graduates. His hard work paid off as he earned a promotion to Foreman, overseeing a two-person crew on tree-related tasks 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, reflecting on his responsibilities.
He attributes his enthusiasm for the job to the supportive team environment within the Parks Department. “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 noted.
Looking toward the future, Joshua aspires to become a General Foreman and return to education to pursue a career as an arborist. His advice for those considering PowerCorps is straightforward yet impactful: “Leave your ego at home. 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.”
image source from：boston
