Building Futures Grad Thrilled By Apprenticeship Work

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Building Futures graduate Charmecca Turner (at right) last week began her third week of work as an apprentice with Sheet Metal Workers 100 “and I LOVE IT!” she says. “Every day I learn something new and I'm really fascinated by all that I'm gonna learn in the future,” Turner told BF’s Sylvia Casaro Dietert.”When I'm finished with my work, I always walk around to the welders, the mechanics, the cutters and anyone else to see if I can help them with anything.” Turner enthusiastically added that “I'm like a sponge in there, trying to soak up as much information and knowledge about the sheet metal business as I can. I am the only female in the warehouse but none of the guys make me feel uncomfortable, they treat me like I'm one of the guys and I love it.” Added Casaro Dietert, “Life-changing experiences like Ms. Turner’s inspire us here at the Community Services Agency to keep working hard every day one person at a time.” CSA’s Building Futures Pre-Apprenticeship Training and Placement Program provides a 6-week pre-apprenticeship training program to help low-income individuals and ex-offenders enhance their abilities to secure jobs in the construction industry, or successfully enter registered union apprenticeship programs; the program has a placement rate as high as 85%. - photo: Turner during a hands-on exercise at Cement Masons Local 891 earlier this year; photo by Steven E. Purcell