Builders Guild, Partner4Work, Pittsburgh Gateways Partner on Revamped Construction Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Pittsburgh – A redesigned Building and Construction Trades pre-apprenticeship program was announced today by the Builders Guild of Western Pennsylvania along with funding and program administration partners.
“Introduction to the Construction Trades” fully prepares individuals to successfully enter the construction trades apprenticeship training programs in the region where they can develop a long-term, lucrative career.
“This no-cost program focuses on educating our participants as to the history of our industry as well as the hard and soft skills necessary to be successful,” said Jeff Nobers, Executive Director of the Builders Guild. “The unique aspect of the program is that those who successfully complete and graduate from the six-week program are guaranteed entry into a no-cost apprenticeship in one of our trades. No other program geared to the construction trades and contractors makes this guarantee.”
Nobers added that a special emphasis is placed on recruiting minorities and women into this program in order to build a more diversified professional workforce.
“As we looked at this program the fact of the guaranteed apprenticeship was significant,” said Earl Buford, Chief Executive Officer of Partner4Work. “Training programs, to truly be successful, have to show a clear path to employment and success, and this program certainly does. We believe it can be a model for other programs, in other industries, to follow.”
The immediate goal is to run four classes per year of 25 participants per class.
“It’s a starting point and like any program of this nature reliable funding will be important, but that comes with sustained success of which we have every confidence,” said Nobers.
Those interested in more information on the “Introduction to the Construction Trades” program should visit www.buildersguild.org and click the link on the home page.
The Builders Guild of Western Pennsylvania is a unique labor/management initiative of the building and construction trade unions of Western PA and local professional contractor associations. Its’ mission is to promote quality construction, provide a forum for labor and management to work together on issues of common concern, and to create career opportunities for men and women interested in working in the demanding and challenging construction industry.
Contact:
Jeff Nobers, Builders Guild, 412-977-1263, jnobers@buildersguild.org
Jen Pajewski, Partner4Work, 412-552-7098, jpajewski@partner4work.org
Nationally recognized for innovation, Partner4Work delivers workforce solutions for Pittsburgh and Allegheny County to ensure the current and future needs of businesses and job seekers are met. As stewards of more than $25 million in public and private workforce funds, Partner4Work oversees and funds workforce programs for adults, dislocated workers, and youth; educates the community through robust labor market analytics; and implements innovative solutions to the region's systemic workforce challenges. Partner4Work bridges the gap between people looking for work and companies in need of talent. More information is available at www.partner4work.org.