With over two decades of experience in carpentry and construction, Wayne Dawkins brings a unique perspective to his work. Despite losing his sight while on a construction site in 2013, which has progressed to the point of requiring a guide dog’s assistance, he has overcome tremendous obstacles and carved out a successful career as a sculptor and inspirational figure.
Fueled by a passion for teaching and mentoring, Mr. Dawkins shares his extensive practical and technical knowledge with students in carpentry and building construction vocational courses. Having honed his skills as a sculptor, he has amassed a remarkable portfolio of projects and often incorporates his artwork into his individual and group mentoring sessions across various educational settings.
In 2019, Wayne Dawkins expanded his impact by employing his carpentry and construction expertise to educate and mentor at-risk youths on probation, as well as those committed to a Juvenile Justice Program in Miami-Dade County, Florida, through AmeriCorps. His dedication and proficiency have earned him five certifications from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) in the subsequent areas:
- NCCER Craft Instructor – Carpentry & CORE
- Curriculum Proctor
- Curriculum Performance Evaluator for Carpentry & CORE
As the President and CEO of JAH RISE, INC., an entity now acknowledged as an NCCER Training Unit offering Industry Certifications, Mr. Dawkins has skillfully applied his extensive experience in the field. His inspiring journey and steadfast commitment to teaching and mentorship underscore the transformative power of resilience and the vital role of vocational training.
“Mr. Wayne is a role model who inspires AMI Construction Crew to see beyond, learn that anything is possible which motivates students to change their lives.” – Pamela Mendoza, Miami-Dade AMIKIDS Building Construction Teacher
NCCER is recognized by the construction industry as the training, assessment, certification and career development standard for the construction and maintenance craft professional. To learn more, visit www.nccer.org.