Building Futures Program Connects in a Hurry

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Two more Building Futures graduates from east of the river -- DC’s Ward 7 -- reported to work Monday at 6am as Apprentice Glaziers.  With a quick turnaround of less than a day’s notice, the Community Services Agency (CSA) connected the graduates to the union Finishing Trades Institute’s  apprenticeship program to help meet their need for entry-level candidates and DC residents.  “This is what the Building Futures program does” said Kathleen McKirchy, CSA Executive Director, “connecting trained, ready-to-work individuals who have been through our pre-apprenticeship training, have industry-recognized certifications and want to enter the construction industry, to apprenticeship programs and good jobs with family-sustaining wages and great benefits.” The two graduates reported to the union hall last Friday morning, passed all tests and application requirements, and were ready to roll Monday morning.  McKirchy extended “Special thanks to Steve Courtien from the Washington Building and Construction Trades Council who connected CSA with the apprenticeship staff at the local and to Sylvia Casaro, CSA’s Client Services Coordinator, who quickly found the right graduates for the job.”