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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