Training for Construction Jobs Offered

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)The Community Services Agency is collaborating with DC libraries to help area residents find jobs. Nearly three dozen job seekers turned out for a March 28 Building Futures program information session at the Deanwood Library. “People are avidly looking for jobs and good options” said Bettye L. Smith, the library’s branch manager. “Libraries are playing an increasing role in workforce development,” noted Sylvia Casaro, Client Services Coordinator for CSA, who recently visited workforce training colleagues in Seattle, “people without access to home computers are relying more and more on their neighborhood libraries to help them with access to job search and other resources.” DC metro area residents interested in getting into good-paying construction jobs can apply now for the next Building Futures class, a 6-week pre-apprenticeship training program that runs May through June and offers a combination of classroom and hands-on activities with an orientation to the construction industry. Application process is highly competitive. Deadline to apply is April 19; click here for details or call 202-974-8223 for more information. - report by Sylvia Casaro Dietert; photo by Jennifer Gajdosik