New Rochelle celebrated the grand opening of a new vocational training facility on Thursday.

The city partnered with Soulful Synergy for the "New Rochelle Forward" program, which is a first of its kind in the region.

The program aims to help minorities tap into the increasing amount of construction-related job opportunities throughout the city.

The new 5,000-square-foot facility will give participants access to certification courses, hands-on training, case management and more.

Some students say the program has already been life changing.

"We all are here because we want to change the direction of our lives. Whether it's from one career to another, or just to learn the basics, so we don't have to really depend on anyone else in the construction field or doing our own homes," said student Kingsley Lee Bernard Jr.

Applications are currently being taken for the program at ideallynewrochelle.com.