'Business, not charity': 15 trained for AC construction jobs

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — Four months ago, Shaim Russell knew nothing about carpentry.

"I could hang up a picture in the house, banging a nail into the wall," the 31-year-old truck driver said. "That's was about it."

Now, Russell is about to start a career as a carpenter, having been trained and lined up with a job through a program run by the developers of the new Hard Rock casino and a local community group. They sought out and selected 15 young Atlantic City residents for training and employment for casino and other projects.

"This is something I'll have my entire life," he said Friday after graduating from the program. "It's the biggest change in my life. It's like the clouds parted and this incredible opportunity landed in my lap.