Second-Chance Career Development Resources

Our business was founded by Terry Houck, Jr. in 2023. But his relationship with FIRST at Blue Ridge began in 2015. At the time, he was with SSIS | ITS — an established family-owned enterprise that provided quality inspection, assembly, packaging, warehousing, distribution and temp-to-hire staffing services to manufacturers throughout the region. FIRST at Blue Ridge made it possible for SSIS | ITS to recruit military veterans for project leadership roles, and the success rate was remarkable.

After SSIS | ITS was acquired, Terry Houck, Jr. formed Advanced Manufacturing Performance Connection (AMP-Connect) with the mission of structuring sustainable vocational training programs for state-licensed nonprofit recovery centers. Serving as an intermediary between clinical professionals and HR managers, AMP-Connect implemented mutually beneficial solutions to highly complex workforce challenges — as well as delivering much-needed financial stability to therapeutic institutions.

In 2021, AMP-Connect was acquired and renamed NewBridge Industrial. Terry Houck, Jr. continued to oversee operations on a contract basis and added a community-driven mentorship component. In partnership with Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC, the MAP of AVL Job-Readiness Curriculum was initiated, and learning modules centered on résumé writing, interviewing and conflict resolution became an integral part of the FIRST at Blue Ridge recovery process. Which brings us to where we are today.

Proactively supporting second-chance candidates in the pursuit of wellness and independence is an important calling — one that requires real patience and persistence. Recovery-based vocational training can certainly be a conscientious and economical answer to entry-level workforce needs, but it is essential to remember that career development is the main objective. So companies that promote inclusion and offer clearly defined pathways to full-time employment will, on average, experience much greater productivity and retention.

Amanda Webb Killian

Recovery and Wellness Ambassador

FIRST at Blue Ridge Graduate Spotlight

Disciplined Approach

Our success in facilitating relationships between FIRST at Blue Ridge administrators and local employment partners depends on consistent adherence to thoughtful business practices.

  • We have a written agreement with FIRST at Blue Ridge that outlines our shared values, goals and responsibilities.

  • Our service offering is customizable based on individual employer needs — and management workshops are in development.

  • We conduct orientation sessions and participate in onboarding programs for new vocational training assignments.

  • We serve as the principal point of contact for requests and/or concerns related to trainee placement and performance.

  • Our collaboration with Kit Roberts (Recovery Friendly Workplace Director) is centered on professional career coaching.

  • Flexible Shift Schedules

  • Economical Hourly Rate

Learning-To-Lead Trainee Spotlight

Employment Partners

We are very fortunate to have strong relationships with reputable companies throughout the region. And we show our gratitude by listening carefully to their needs and working hard every day to deliver innovative solutions.

Atlas Precision is one of those trusted companies. Founded in 1979 by Johann Hofschuster, they are the premier plastic injection molding product and service provider for global automotive, healthcare, electrical and telecommunication customers.

More important, they treat our vocational trainees with heartfelt compassion and respect — and that holds value beyond measure.

Pictured (L/R): Ellen Steele, Jonathan Dixon, Dennis Kanupp, David Allen