Build a City, Build a Career
/by Mary Vogel / Executive Director / Building Pathways
Many people think that the only way to a lifelong successful career is by going to college, sitting in a cubicle five days a week and moving up the office ladder.
But that’s just not true. Joining the building and construction trades can bring you a lifetime of economic security and satisfaction – with more action and hands-on experience than an office job. If you enjoy working with your hands, being part of a team, and building something you can be proud of, the building trades are for you.
It’s easy to find a job in construction, but becoming a skilled journey worker with the union is a career choice for a lifetime.
No matter where you want to go you have to start at the beginning – an apprenticeship. Unlike any other program of its kind, the union apprenticeship allows you to earn while you learn. First-year union apprentices earn approximately the same amount most college students pay for a year's tuition.
More and more, people are entering an apprenticeship by first completing an apprenticeship preparedness program. These programs provide a gateway for local residents, particularly those from underserved communities, including women, people of color and transitioning veterans, to gain access to Building Trades registered apprenticeship programs.
The Building Pathways Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program in Boston is the only program of its kind that has partnerships with all of the Boston area union apprentice programs. Building Pathways offers 6 weeks of Career Readiness and Occupational Skills Training, with classroom and hands-on learning experiences, to introduce you to the trades and provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to enter into a Building Trades apprenticeship program. Building Pathways staff will also work with you to secure admission into an apprenticeship program.
If you think a career in the union construction trades is right for you, call for more information about the Building Pathways Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program at 617-282-2242 or Azell Martin, Boston Housing Authority at 617-988-4091.
