MESSAGE FROM OUR LEADERSHIP: We Are The Community! This past fall, Construction Skills proudly announced that the 1,000th graduate of our pre-apprenticeship training program had been placed into a union apprenticeship program of the building and construction trades, adding to our nationally recognized record of achievement. 89% of these placements are African American, Hispanic, Asian and other minorities. 80% of these individuals remain actively employed in the industry. These statistics demonstrate that the unionized construction industry is not merely providing equal opportunity. We are providing successful career outcomes for a diverse array of New York City residents. As public works projects and private development efforts advance, leaders throughout New York City often advocate that members of the local community should share in the economic opportunities to be created. And well they should. In response to this advocacy, Construction Skills and the unionized construction industry have a simple response: We are the local community! The individuals we place into union apprenticeship programs are New York City residents from every corner of the five boroughs. They are your constituents. They are your neighbors. They are earning the good wages with health insurance and pension benefits that keep local communities strong. We at Construction Skills remain committed to meeting the challenge of building careers for New York City’s next generation of trained and skilled construction professionals. In this time of economic crisis, we urge leaders in public and private life to join with us. Paul E. Fernandes President Louis J. Coletti Chairman     CONSTRUCTION SKILLS, INC. WELCOMES NICOLE A. BERTRÁN AS VICE PRESIDENT OF PROGRAM SERVICES Nicole A. Bertrán, Vice President of Program Services, is the newest addition to The Edward J. Malloy Initiative for Construction Skills, Inc. (Construction Skills). In this capacity, Ms. Bertrán oversees program operations and the development and implementation of strategic initiatives for the union construction industry’s pre-apprenticeship training program. Her commitment to creating opportunities for minorities and women through workforce and economic development initiatives will allow her to ensure that Construction Skills continues to thrive. Ms. Bertrán earned her bachelor’s degree from Rutgers College and currently is pursuing a master’s degree in Industrial & Labor Relations at Cornell University. Read the Full Article Here     CONSTRUCTION SKILLS, INC. HOSTS RECEPTION AT 7 WORLD TRADE CENTER An Event to Celebrate Placement of 1,000th Student into Union Apprenticeship Program The Edward J. Malloy Initiative for Construction Skills, Inc. (Construction Skills) recently announced the placement of the 1,000th student into a unionized building and construction trade apprenticeship program. Construction Skills is dedicated to giving New York City public high school graduating seniors, New York City Housing Authority residents and other qualified applicants the opportunity to train for, and gain access to, careers in the unionized construction industry. The announcement of the 1000th apprentice placement was celebrated at a special reception held on October 28, 2008 at 7 World Trade Center in New York City. Read Full Article Here     INTERVIEW WITH GLEN ANYON, JR. Age: 20 High School: Port Richmond HS Year Completed Training: 2006 Union Affiliation: 3rd Year Apprentice, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, DC9 Borough of Residence: Staten Island, NY Read the Full Interview Here INTERVIEW WITH MICHELLE VIERA Age: 29 High School: Lehman HS (NYCHA Resident) Year Completed Training: 2008 Union Affiliation: 1st Year Apprentice, New York City District Council of Carpenters Local 608 Borough of Residence: Bronx, NY Read the Full Interview Here