Student Stories

Geoff Smith

A little over a year ago, Geoff Smith made a living moving furniture and doing the occasional handyman job.  Customers sometimes offered him better paying construction work, but, regretfully, Geoff declined because he didn’t have the skills needed to do the job right.

Luckily, Geoff came to DACE’s Los Angeles Technology Center where he met with WIOA Navigator, Mark Lawrence. There, Geoff learned about DACE course offerings in the trades including plumbing, welding, HVAC, tile, and electrician. Geoff decided to enroll in LATC’s construction course taught by Sharell Matthews.  In this hands-on class, he developed the skills needed to confidently say YES to construction jobs. Geoff now runs his own business called Smith Emergency.  He’s contracted with several condo projects to perform their maintenance, remodeling and repairs.  He is also an architect’s apprentice learning blueprint reading, construction law and codes.  

“Mark really went through DACE training opportunities with me, and Ms. Matthews is a great teacher.  She’s thorough and makes sure you understand everything. She’s in the loop and connected me with a lot of great industry people.  We still keep in touch!”

Geoff is now working on his contractor’s license and soon hopes to open his own one-stop-shop firm handling all facets of commercial and residential projects from design through project completion.

Geoff adds, “The knowledge I gained at LATC really afforded me better opportunities, gave me the confidence to expand my business, and got me in touch with those in my field.  I’m so glad I went to LATC!”