CISCO Accepting Applications for Annual Pride in Construction Award Program

CISCO Accepting Applications for Annual Pride in Construction Award Program

Sept. 14, 2023

CISCO Project of the Year

BURR RIDGE – If you think you’ve got one of the best construction projects in CISCO’s 6-county area, including Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake and McHenry – prove it with a submission to CISCO’s Annual Pride in Construction Award Program. Applications are being accepted through Dec. 1, 2023, from projects competed during May 2022 through December 2023.

CISCO’s Award Program gives general contractors, owners, engineers and architects a chance to submit projects in six (6) different categories for recognition as that categories’ Project of the Year. (See 2022 winners here). Categories include:

– New Construction – Chicago (Above $20M)
– New Construction – Suburbs (Above $20M)
– New Construction – Chicago or Suburbs (Below $20M)
– Rehabilitation
– Residential
– Infrastructure

Eligibility and Criteria
Each candidate’s project needs to demonstrate a dedication to:

– Quality of Construction
– Design
– Impact to Community
– Safety Record

Deadline
Participants must complete the application form and submit it directly to CISCO. CISCO is not responsible for the return of any materials submitted. Deadline for submitting applications is 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. For additional information, contact CISCO’S Director of Communications and Public Affairs Director Jennifer Rice at 630-472-9411. Applications can be sent via email at: jennifer@cisco.org, or via mail to: CISCO, 999 McClintock Dr., STE 100, Burr Ridge IL 60527.

Notification
Submittals will be reviewed in December 2023 during CISCO’s Board Meeting, and winners will be selected at that time. Winners will be notified the week of Dec. 11, 2023. Due to the volume of submissions CISCO receives, only winners will be notified. Winning entries will be posted on CISCO’s website – cisco.org, on Dec. 15, 2023.

Awards will be presented at CISCO’s Annual Meeting in 2024. Winning entries and their team will be invited for recognition and celebration. An exact date for the meeting has yet to be determined – but will be held in January 2024.

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Changing lives – one construction job at at time

Changing lives – one construction job at at time

CHICAGO — When it comes to considering if a career in the Union construction trades is the right fit for them, the young men and women who came to the 9th annual Construction Conference and Expo Aug. 17 made the choice to make their NEXT decision be their BEST decision.

The Expo, hosted by St. Paul Community Development Ministries (SPCDM) and sponsored by CISCO, allowed participants to understand how apprentices work and what various construction careers requires. “If anybody want’s to change their life, the Union construction trades are here for you,” explained Powering Chicago Executive Director Elbert Walters III. He stressed that access, opportunity and availability are important traits to becoming successful.

St. Paul and CISCO Trades Fair

Union reps got a chance to talk with individuals looking to better their lives with a new career in the construction trades during St. Paul Community Development Ministries annual Construction Conference and Expo. Photo courtesy of CISCO

Some of the Expo’s participants are currently enrolled in Next Step, a 12-week pre-apprentice program offered by SPCDM. It helps people prepare for entry into a USDOL registered apprenticeship program. To date, Next Step has placed more than 246 individuals, many of them women and people of color, into the Union construction trades.

St. Paul and CISCO Trades Fair

A Cement Masons’ and Plasterers’ Local 502 instructor explains to Expo attendees how proper technique, when laying brick, is important to the overall project. Photo courtesy of CISCO

Pastor Kevin Ford explained that the Next Step program is about getting ready to go upstairs. “Once in the trades, you begin to move up and climb from apprentice to journeyman, start attending Union meetings, becoming a business agent, coordinator and even an international representative of a Union,” Ford said.

St. Paul and CISCO Trades Fair

CISCO Executive Director Dan Allen said the Next Step pre-apprenticeship program’s success rate is incredible. “We need young people to be the next generation of skilled trades men and women – along with our Union contractors, to build this amazing city, state and country,” Allen explained. Photo courtesy of CISCO

After the Expo, many participants opted to stay for a pre-test assessment to determine their math and language skill level.

CISCO Executive Director Dan Allen said there has never been a better time to begin a career in the construction trades.

“Unions are supplying the next generation of construction workers who will build the infrastructure needed to replace our country’s outdated roads, bridges, transit systems and more, which is coming from President [Joe] Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a $1 trillion infrastructure bill,” Allen explained.

Along with various Chicagoland Union reps at the Expo, several Union contractors also participated, such as WE O’Neil and Power Construction, who were able to show participants current and future projects they are working on.

See below for more photos of our event

St. Paul and CISCO's Trades Fair

(Left photo) Union reps from the Hill-side based SMART Local 73 explain to this woman how members install HVAC and perform HVAC fabrication. (Right photo) This LiUNA rep points out that the Laborers’ apprenticeship program is 2 years. Working as a Laborer provides a well-paid career and is a career that is always in demand – all WITHOUT the need for a college degree or student debt. Photos courtesy of CISCO

St. Paul and CISCO's Trades Fair

Edward Walker attended SPCDM Next Step pre-apprentice program and went on to find a career as a Tilesetter. Previously, Walker worked 25 years in the maintenance field. After going through the program, “it turned my life around – immediately,” he said. “Getting a job in the construction field is the best thing you can do for yourself, ” he added. Photo courtesy of CISCO

St. Paul and CISCO's Trades Fair

New Tabernacle of Faith Baptist Church Pastor Paul Jakes, U.S. Congressman Danny Davis (7th District), CISCO Executive Director Dan Allen and St. Paul Church of God in Christ Community Development Ministries President Pastor Kevin Ford. Photo courtesy of CISCO

St. Paul and CISCO's Trades Fair

We’ll see everyone next year at St. Paul Community Development Ministries (SPCDM) for the 10th annual Construction Conference and Expo. Photo courtesy of CISCO

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Register for CISCO’s 2023 Annual Golf Outing!

Register SOON for CISCO’s Annual Golf Outing
August 8, 2023

As we have in the past, CISCO is all set for its annual golf outing for Monday, Sept. 11, 2023 at the Bloomingdale Golf Club. Click the link below to print our 2-page flyer.

CISCO’s Annual Golf Outing
Monday, September 11, 2023
Bloomingdale Golf Club
181 Glen Ellyn Rd., Glen Ellyn
Bloomingdale IL
7 a.m. Registration
8 a.m. Shotgun Start
1:30 p.m. Cocktails/Lunch

CISCO’s 2023 Golf Outing flyer

2023 CISCO Golf Outing

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More Than 600 People Visit 2nd Annual Union Construction Trades Fair

More Than 600 People Visit 2nd Annual Union Construction Trades Fair

July 28, 2023

CHICAGO – What a difference a year makes! At last year’s inaugural event, 200 participants came to CISCO’s Union Construction Trades Fair, held at the Chicago-based IBEW Local 134, to learn about apprenticeship opportunities and careers in the Union construction industry. During this year’s 2nd annual event – held July 21, more than 600 participants came out!

Participants received information from 16 Union Trades, Union contractors, community groups and Union contractor associations. School age children and teens also received backpacks filled with CPS school supplies. MANY Unions and contractors donated school supplies and gave monetary donations!

CISCO 2nd Annual Fair

CISCO’s 2nd Annual Union Construction Trades Fair open at 10 a.m. to find participants waiting outside to get in! Throughout the day, vendors encountered more than 600 individuals wanting to learn how get into an apprenticeship to start a career in the building trades. Photo courtesy of CISCO

CISCO’s Education-to-Careers Director Jamillah Muhammad said the increase could be because more young people are looking for a career with stability, advancement, and job security – which can all be found within the building construction trades. “There are many options and paths you can take. There is a variety of roles and specializations, there’s no college debt and great benefits,” Muhammad explained.

2nd Annual Union Construction Trades Fair

During the event, CISCO gave away 175 backpacks to school age children and teens, which were filled with CPS school supplies. Photo courtesy of CISCO

Some participants stayed for the entire four-hour event because they were waiting on friends to arrive. “I am interested in finding a job,” one participant said. Even though he understood this wasn’t a hiring event, he felt it was important to invite his friends so they could see for themselves the benefits of working in the Union construction industry. He made a point to visit all 34 vendors to gather information.

CISCO 2nd Annual Union Construction Trades Fair

The Tinley Park-based Heat & Frost Insulators Local 17 offers an apprenticeship program where apprentices use classroom time to study math, blueprint interpretation, application techniques, pattern layout, workplace safety and supervision. Photo courtesy of CISCO

Various schools and youth organizations brought students to the Trades Fair to let them learn that attending college is not their only option. Curie High School Counselor Linda Verano arranged for 17 of her students to attend the event. All of them are part of the high school’s summer work-based learning programs.

In the Career Masters program, students become College Career Ambassadors. They research post-secondary pathways, compile the information, and present that information to the student body. The Tech Crew program provides students the knowledge and training to fix and repair things around the high school. Students are paid through both programs for their participation.

Verano was researching an event that was trades-related and came across information on CISCO’s 2nd Annual Union Construction Trades Fair. “These students are really curious about their career options. As counselors, we need to know how the trades and apprenticeships work, so we’re able to tell our students about viable career options,” she explained.

This large school group could be seen inside the IBEW hall, stopping at different vendor tables, until they found their way outside to the Powering Chicago Mobile Field Trip Truck – a 73-foot semi-truck outfitted with solar panels and other emerging technologies that every IBEW Local 134 apprentice learns during their apprenticeship.

The Curie High School students found themselves listening to Powering Chicago Executive Director Elbert Walters III explain different ways electricity is generated – via nuclear power plants, solar power and wind turbines – and how the power is stored in batteries. Walters also explained how the electrical industry is changing.

CISCO 2nd Annual Fair

Students from Curie High School find out about electrical jobs from IBEW Local 134 – NECA Powering Chicago Executive Director Elbert Walters III. Photo courtesy of CISCO

“The great thing about our industry – it’s expanding because everything is becoming electrified. If you’re thinking about getting into a craft or trade that’s going to pay you great wages – it’s the Union trades. It’s going to allow you different opportunities and be able to choose a specialty, be financially free and work anywhere in the country,” he explained to the students.

CISCO 2nd Annual Union Construction Trades Fair

CISCO 2nd Annual Union Construction Trades Fair

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CISCO Partners with Chicago Police and Fire Departments for Union Trades Fair

CISCO Partners with Chicago Police and Fire Departments for Union Trades Fair

Oct. 24, 2022

CHICAGO – When Chicago Police office Veronica Meraz received an invitation from CISCO to attend its inaugural July 22 Hands-On Trades Fair, held at the Chicago-based IBEW Local 134, she assumed it would have an impact on the young adults she brought along – but didn’t realize the impact it would have on HER.

Union Trades Fair

After seeing hundreds of people having conversations with Union representatives regarding how to apply for a Union construction apprenticeship program, Meraz said she was, “blown away.”

“It was an amazing opportunity to see alternatives to office jobs or corporate jobs – which are not for everyone. Some people are just better with their hands,” she explained.

The young adults Meraz brought with her were participants of One Summer Chicago, a 6-week summer program that allows Chicago individuals, aged 14-26, to have employment and internship opportunities with government institutions, community-based organizations and companies – all while getting paid.

Union Trades Fair

Through the program, young adults who choose to work with the Chicago Police Department shadow officers at the city’s various 22 police districts, learning the work environment and interacting with the community. At the police department, Meraz is a Domestic Violence Liaison Officer and Senior Liaison.

Even though the CISCO-sponsored Trades Fair was held July 22 – and nearing the end of One Summer Chicago program, Meraz made sure to have free time available for the youth working the program at District 1 – Central Police Department to attend. Because the young adults she brought were either 16- or 17-years old, and still trying to figure out what they want to do, Meraz used the Trades Fair to open their eyes to alternative career options.

“They were vary curious and asked questions. I wanted them to understand they don’t need a 4-year degree and college debt just to have a successful career. If they are more into having a hands-on job and working outside, then a job in the trades might be something for them,” Meraz added.

She was so impressed with the turnout at the July 22 Hands-On Trades Fair and the impact it had on herself and the young adults she brought with, she decided to partner with CISCO, the Chicago Fire Department and the Chicago Police Department, to have a Union Trades Fair Sept. 28 at Chicago’s District 1 – Central Police Department.

Union Trades Fair

Chicago Police Department Domestic Violence Liaison Officer and Senior Liaison Veronica Meraz explains the Carpenters Union apprenticeship process to three young men who visited the Sept. 28 Hands-On Union’s Fair, which included construction Unions, and the Chicago Police and Fire Departments. Photo courtesy of CISCO

During the event, Meraz accompanied three Hispanic men as they toured various Union trades booths and interpreted from English to Spanish for them. The meeting proved successful as one of the men reached out to Meraz shortly after the Trades Fair with additional questions. “I connected him with the right people for further information. I’m making sure I don’t lose touch with him.” For this reason, she is committed to having another Trades Fair next year. “This is definitely not going to be a one-time deal,” she added.

Meraz understands the Chicago Fire and Police Departments are not construction trades, but she teaches the youth she mentors to consider ALL Union careers a Brotherhood/Sisterhood. CISCO Executive Director Dan Allen agrees with her.

“Helping to recruit local firefighters and police officers to keep communities safe is the mission of Unions and signatory contractors,” Allen explained.

An example of this is Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) goal in supporting career-oriented opportunities to help youth develop transferable skills to increase employability through job readiness training. It also provides them with guidance, training and supervision.

“The police have always worked with young people to help in finding them career opportunities. CISCO looks forward to future partnerships with both the police and fire departments as we all work together to find young people careers in the Union construction industry,” Allen said.

Union Trades Fair

A participant, left, at the Sept. 28 Hands-On Union Fair talks about the benefits available for a Union Plumber with the Chicago-based Local 130 UA Training Coordinator Brian Andersen. Photo courtesy of CISCO

Meraz is already looking forward to CISCO’S 2023 Hands-On Trades Fair. If possible, she would like to see it occur in early July, shortly after the start of the city’s One Summer Chicago program. That way, she could get more young adults to attend from all the city’s 22 police districts.

“Most of the young adults in the One Summer Chicago program don’t know what a job or trades fair is, and haven’t gone to one,” Meraz said. “What I witnessed at the CISCO Hands-On Trades Fair was everything I was hoping it would be.”

Police Fire and Union Trades Fair

A participant at the Sept. 28 Hands-On Trades Fair left photo, leaves his contact information to learn more about the City of Chicago Police Department careers. IBEW Local 134 Vice President and CISCO Board Member Maurice King, middle photo, discusses various electrical careers with a participant. CISCO’s Education-to-Careers Director Jamillah Muhammad, right photo, tells a participant about various Union construction trades a participant might be interested in. Photos courtesy of CISCO

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Another CISCO Partner Success Story

Another CISCO Partner Success Story

Oct. 19, 2022

VILLA PARK – On Oct. 5, CISCO partnered with the Villa Park-based Resilient Project UPSTART, a non-profit organization providing non-college bound students with the knowledge and skills to enter an apprenticeship program in the Union building construction trades, and participated in its annual Trades Awareness Fair.

Union Construction Trades Fair

When a Forest Park-based Ironworkers Local 1 retiree and his son stop by CISCO’s booth during the Trades Awareness Fair, CISCO’s Education-to-Careers Director Jamillah Muhammad has an opportunity to discuss the apprenticeship process of various construction trades. Photo courtesy of CISCO

More than 20 contractor and Union trades used the time at the event to educate students and adults how to apply for an apprenticeship program and the benefits of a career in the building construction trades. Last year, Sal Torres, 20, participated in Project UPSTART, learning the skills he needed to apply for an apprenticeship with the Carpenters. He currently is employed with Executive Construction as a first-year apprentice.

Union construction trades fair

Project UPSTART graduate Sal Torres, 20, right, currently works for Executive Construction as a first-year Carpenters apprentice. Torres, is pictured with Executive Construction employees – including Chairman John Blacketor, left, who calls Torres a “rockstar,” saying he’s never missed a single day. Photo courtesy of CISCO

Executive Construction Chairman John Blacketor said Torres is an amazing young man and excellent employee. “He has never missed a single day, is on time and is learning his skills at warp speed. He is a Rockstar,” Blacketor added. He also stressed that partner involvement – like CISCO, is critical to the success of the initiative.

“These events lead to more awareness throughout the communities and provide added exposure and benefit to our industry for years to come. We look forward to expanding on these efforts and to making a difference in the lives of those who are exposed this program.

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High School Students: Register for Nov. 16 Union Trades Fair

High School Students: Register for Nov. 16 Union Trades Fair

Oct. 14, 2022

BURR RIDGE – Register now for a unique opportunity to talk with various Chicagoland Union construction trades Nov. 16 at LiUNA Chicagoland Laborers’ District Council Training and Apprentice Fund. Learn how to start your career in the Union construction industry. Get hands-on experience from the building trades at their various booths and learn about their application deadlines. Click image below to register and details, or click HERE.

Date: Nov. 16, 2022
Time: 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Event: 2-Day Union Trades Fair – Nov. 16 is for HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Location: LIUNA Chicagoland Laborers’ District Council Training and Apprentice Fund
Address: 5700 W. Homer St., Chicago

Click HERE for directions.

2 Day Union Trades Fair

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CISCO Accepting Applications for Annual Project of the Year

CISCO Accepting Applications for Annual Project of the Year

Oct. 3, 2022

CISCO's Pride in Construction

BURR RIDGE – CISCO’S Project of the Year Award is kicking off its 18th year of accepting applications for some of the best construction projects of the past 18 months, through May 2021 – December 2022.

The award gives general contractors, owners, engineers and architects a chance to submit projects in six (6) different categories, which include the areas of new construction, renovation/rehabilitation, residential construction and infrastructure.

The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. Friday, December 2, 2022. For more information, contact CISCO’S Director of Communications and Public Affairs Director Jennifer Rice, at 630-472-9411 or via email at: jennifer@cisco.org.

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CISCO’s 2022 Annual Golf Outing

CISCO’s 2022 Annual Golf Outing

Sept. 16, 2022

CISCO Golf Outing

Rain and chilly weather didn’t keep away golfers during its annual golf outing, held Sept. 12 at the Bloomingdale Golf Club. Photo courtesy of CISCO

CISCO Golf Outing

Even though it was cold and rainy Sept. 12, CISCO’s 101 golfers started lining up for registration. Hot coffee was waiting for them at the next table. Photo courtesy of CISCO

BLOOMINGDALE – It didn’t matter that it rained, or the sun wasn’t out. It didn’t even matter that some golfers had to trade their golf shirts and shorts for work hoodies and rain pants. What mattered was the Union construction industry, and our many associate members, were all determined to support CISCO’s fundraising efforts for its annual golf outing, held Sept. 12 at the Bloomingdale Golf Club.

Even though morning temperatures hovered in the 50’s, and a consistent misting of rain saturated the course and golfers, 101 golfers braved the inclement weather to make the best of the day, and have a chance to win some great raffle prizes, with proceeds benefitting the Chicago-based Gateway to Learning, an organization that provides lifelong learning for adults with intellectual challenges and developmental disabilities while promoting active inclusion at home, at work, and in the community.

After notifying golfers that the course was draining well from the rain that fell the day before, golf started promptly at 8 a.m. And even though temperatures were in the mid-50’s, golfers quickly started to warm up after a few holes of golf.

Lunch started a little earlier than in years past, but it allowed golfers to warm up sooner than expected. It also gave them an opportunity to view the many raffle items CISCO had available, with proceeds benefiting Gateway to Learning.

CISCO Golf Outing

With the help of some swag bags from Vogelzang Law, some golfers found a creative way to stay dry. Photo courtesy of CISCO

CISCO’s relationship with Gateway to Learning stared during the pandemic, when staff and participants were struggling to communicate and stay connected with on-line communication. Union contractors and skilled Union trades men and women rose to the call-of-duty and updated the organization’s aging building with Internet, plumbing and electric – all on a shoestring budget. CISCO’s Executive Director Dan Allen, also a Gateway to Learning board member, recounted how happy parents were to know their sons and daughters would be able to continue with their programs during COVID.

“These parents were so emotional because they understood and appreciated the commitment the Union contractors and Union tradespersons demonstrated – you literally changed lives with the upgrade you provided at their building,” Allen explained. “Everyone here put their heart and soul into changing the lives of these families.”

See below for pictures from our golf outing

CISCO golf outing

CISCO golf outing

CISCO golf outing

CISCO golf outing

CISCO golf outing

CISCO golf outing

CISCO golf outing

CISCO golf outing

CISCO golf outing

CISCO Golf Outing

CISCO golf outing

A special THANK YOU to all our generous sponsors who make this possible!

CISCO Golf Outing

CISCO Golf Outing

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Stepping up When Opportunity Knocks

Stepping up When Opportunity Knocks

Aug. 18, 2022

CHICAGO – For the past eight years, CISCO has partnered with a church on Chicago’s South Side to promote careers in the building construction trades to young men and women with a hands-on trades fair. The church then offers a free, 12-week pre-apprenticeship training program as a way to best prepare these men and women when it comes time to apply for a construction apprenticeship program. 

CISCO Trades Fair

CISCO Executive Director Dan Allen said over the years, many seeds of hope have been planted at the Expo, allowing many men and women the opportunity to become aware of a successful career in the construction trades. Photo courtesy of CISCO

“CISCO’s Education-to-Careers program is humbled to have helped so many young people obtain careers in the various Union trades,” CISCO Executive Director Dan Allen told guests. “The collaboration of Union contractors and the building trades is vital to attracting the next generation of skilled men and women into our industry – which is our life blood.”

The annual Construction Conference & Expo, held at St. Paul Church of God in Christ, brings Union representatives from numerous construction trades together, allowing them to discuss with the public their specific requirements to enter into their apprenticeship programs, along with the benefits of a career that offers competitive pay, pensions and health care. 

Many of the Unions, like the bricklayers, carpenters and trowel trades, allowed the public to perform hands-on work, such as laying brick and measuring and cutting wood to certain specifications. At this year’s Expo, two Union representatives the Bricklayers Local 21, representing the Administrative District Council 1 of Illinois Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, had both gone through St. Paul’s pre-apprenticeship program years earlier.

Miles Afriyie, 22, and Eddie Martin, 37, both 2nd year apprentices, completed the pre-apprenticeship program in 2019 and 2020, respectively, and both said the program allowed them to be better prepared for their apprenticeship exam.

“Honestly, [St. Paul] is the one that got me to where I am right now,” Afriyie explained. “They told me everything I needed to do, which translated into my apprenticeship program, which translated into me working.”

Afriyie’s training and talent has qualified him to compete next month in Boston at the 2022 BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest after placing 4th in July’s regional North Central Apprentice Contest where contestants were given a blueprint and allowed four hours to build. They were given a combined score on their masonry skills and written test.

CISCO Trades Fair

Second year bricklayer apprentice Miles Afriyie is pictured competing at the regional level of the North Central Apprentice Contest where he placed 4th, allowing him to move on to Boston next month to compete at the 2022 BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest. He’ll be keeping his eye on the little details, which judges told him are important and can mean the difference between 1st and 2nd place. Photo courtesy of International Masonry Institute

Martin had always wanted to work in construction, but didn’t know how to apply for a trade. Walking around the Expo in 2020 and listening to what different Unions had to offer opened his eyes to the work they perform and what qualifications are needed to apply.

“I always had a passion to build things, and now I get to step back and actually see what I built, and I can show my family. It’s something I can be proud of,” Martin explained.

He wishes more organizations like CISCO and St. Paul would expose the Union construction trades to others, allowing people to understand there are other avenues besides college or starting work right away. “[College is just not for everybody. People need to know there are other options.”

CISCO Trades Fair

Pastor Kevin Anthony Ford, president of St. Paul Community Development Ministries (SPCDM), said his ministry’s pre-apprenticeship program and a career in the building construction trades allow men and women to stand toe-to-toe with opportunity.

Pastor Kevin Anthony Ford, president of St. Paul Community Development Ministries (SPCDM), said the annual Construction Conference & Expo, along with its pre-apprenticeship program, have open the doors of opportunity to allow men and women to walk through and secure a successful career in the building construction trades.

“I see a future for these men and women, and the future looks bright. We are the changemakers for them. We want to see the doors of opportunity open for anyone who desires to enter an apprenticeship program and make their way in the construction industry,” Pastor Ford said.

Ford would like young people to understand that – with the help of a career in a Union, it will allow them opportunities and hope – as long as they have the catalysts in place, like the recent trades fair, to put them in a position to create wealth and later, generational wealth.

CISCO Trades Fair

Miles Afriyie, kneeling left, and Eddie Martin, right, both apprentice bricklayers with Local 21, show guests at the Aug. 18 St. Paul Construction and Conference Expo the proper technique to apply mortar to brick. Photo courtesy of CISCO

CISCO Trades Fair

A Union rep from Pipefitters Local 597 discusses with a man how pipefitters lay piping systems for installation and assembling equipment. Photo courtesy of CISCO

CISCO Trades Fair

After listening to instructions, this woman uses what she learned and applies it to the task at hand. Many of the Unions present at the Trades Fair allowed guests to get hands-on experience for a true understanding of the work and skill level involved. Photo courtesy of CISCO

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