EAST ORANGE – Training the next generation of building trades union workers, Pathways to Apprenticeship today awarded certificates of course completion to 24 graduates from East Orange, Newark, Irvington, and Orange.
Funded through a New Jersey Department of Labor grant, Pathways evolved through the backing of the Laborers, under the leadership of program founder Wayne Richardson, the program’s president.
Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell attended the ceremony of proud graduates at Elmwood United Presbyterian Church.
“Jobs are a priority for us in this administration,” said the Lieutenant Governor. “Jobs are the best social program. A job transforms a community. I want to congratulate each of you. We celebrate all these celebrities, but they don’t do as much as what you’re going to do for your community, and so I want you to be very proud of what you’re doing.”
Preparing for careers in construction, bricklaying, carpentry, and elevator and highway repair, the graduates fulfilled an intensive six-week program wherein they learned about the history of labor, work skills, banking skills, and the ins and outs of union membership.
In his keynote address to the class, graduate Jihad Bey said the training represents the beginning of a journey “to learn a trade and create opportunities for our families and our future. We were taught the value of hard work. It’s about skill, showing up, staying committed, and pushing through the challenges. Along the way we learned respect for each other and math, math, math.”
Bernard Callegari, assistant eastern region manager for the Laborers, also congratulated the graduates. The labor leader passionately conveyed to his fledgling fellow workers the great dignity of union work, which enabled him, he said, to rise above squalid circumstances and achieve unimaginable dreams.
“We are so happy the Laborers saw fit to support this program, which is so important to give people that opportunity,” said Richardson, prior to the awarding of certificates and celebratory labor luncheon.
THE OFFICIAL RELEASE:
For 24 North Jersey residents and their families, it was a day of pride, celebration and accomplishment. Graduation ceremonies were held today to acknowledge the new graduates of the Pathways to Apprenticeship New Jersey (P2ANJ) training program.
P2ANJ is a non-profit organization committed to helping individuals from underrepresented communities gain admittance into the various registered building trades apprenticeship programs. An intensive six-week training prepares participants for the union application process. Participants receive preparatory instruction for the program’s work keys assessment in math and reading comprehension. Instruction also covers the personal and professional traits that propel people toward a successful career in the union construction industry. Graduates from this class hail from East Orange, Newark, Irvington, Orange, Jersey City, Rahway, and Linden.
Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dale G. Caldwell was on-hand to congratulate the P2ANJ graduates. A well-known and respected leader in education, Caldwell formerly served as President of Centenary University, in Hacketstown, New Jersey. “Pathways to Apprenticeship creates a win-win for our state,” he stated. “It provides deserving men and women an opportunity–and for some, a second chance–to change their lives and build a long-term career. It also provides the New Jersey Building Trades with pre-qualified candidates as they seek to diversify their membership. We need more programs like this in New Jersey”
Pathways to Apprenticeship New Jersey proudly partners with public officials and local leaders who are committed to creating job opportunities for residents and can also connect participants to construction jobs in their own communities. East Orange Mayor Ted Green was instrumental in putting together this class and was effusive in his praise. “East Orange, with the support of Elmwood United Presbyterian Church, is pleased to be a sponsor and host the P2ANJ East Orange Class. Many of our residents will graduate today and set out on a journey of good employment and personal growth for them and community contributions to our great city.”
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. was on hand to congratulate the new graduates and salute the P2ANJ program. “To the graduates, I couldn’t be more proud of what you accomplished today, and more importantly, what you can accomplish in the future,” said DiVincenzo. “Essex County has always prided itself on its ability to provide employment opportunities for our residents. Non-Profit programs like the Pathways to Apprenticeship provide the much needed skills and support to lift people up and put them on the path to success.”
Pathways to Apprenticeship New Jersey Founder and President Wayne Richardson described to the audience the key elements of the P2ANJ program and their importance. “We focus on bridging the gap between aspiration and achievement. Offering Work Keys Assessment prep is important because it is the entry exam for eligibility and placement in the apprenticeable trades,” he explained. “Offering holistic skills development means we not only challenge people to be their best selves, but offer the tools to do so. Lastly, though mentorship, we can offer personal guidance that can often be a difference-maker.”
With graduation behind them, P2ANJ graduates will now begin the placement process into Union apprenticeship programs. Based on assessments, availability, and personal interests, graduates will enter programs with the the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, the International Union of Elevator Constructors, and the Laborers’ International Union of North America.
