Local and federal leaders gathered for job training graduation ceremony in Wauwatosa

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Local and federal leaders gathered in Wauwatosa on Friday, Oct. 11 to present pre-apprenticeship certifications to 12 graduates of the skills, help and reentry program. 

The initiative, developed by the non-profit Ezekiel Hope, involved the graduates working on their trade skills while renovating four previously foreclosed homes in Milwaukee County. 

"Every person is gifted and talented, we need to draw out those gifts and talents. Not everyone has had that straight arrow pathway, but the President and the Vice President firmly believe that when we invest, we can transform people, and this program has been transformational," said Tom Perez, director, White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. 

The four newly renovated homes will be sold at affordable costs to first time homebuyers.