Santos Rodriguez, an Organizer for Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12, grew up in the New York City Housing Authority’s Williamsburg Development in Brooklyn. Santos began working in the unionized construction industry 11 years ago after successfully completing the Construction Skills pre-apprenticeship program (then known as Project Pathways).

Santos enrolled in Construction Skills while he was attending Harry Van Arsdale High School. He graduated in 1997 through the high school’s co-op program that worked to provide opportunities to students seeking careers in the building and construction trades. After completing the pre-apprenticeship training, Santos became an apprentice with Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12. 

Santos’s first job was at Grand Central Station in New York City. He says, “I was very lucky.  The mechanics were very helpful in teaching me the trade, how to do things the right way, and they didn’t rush me. They helped me, and not a lot of people are given that opportunity.”

After completing his apprenticeship and becoming a journeyman, Santos left his tools to become an Organizer for Local 12. Santos now organizes individuals who are non-union members that would like to join the union. Santos never dreamed that he would be chosen to be an Organizer at such a young age, but when the position was offered to him, he seized the opportunity.

Santos credits the union for getting him off the streets and giving him the opportunity to build a life for himself. Santos owns a home and is able to take his wife, Lizmary, and their two year-old daughter, Kailey on vacation.  Most recently they visited the Caribbean. Santos is extremely proud of the fact that he is able to provide for his family and that he has a career that allows him these joys. He also gives back to the union as much as possible, which is why he puts 110 percent effort into organizing non-union building and construction trades workers.

When asked about his advice to aspiring apprentices, Santos says, “If working in the union is something you would like to do as a career and if you are thinking about tomorrow, then go for it. Work hard, be on-time, don’t cause problems and get involved. I never would have been where I am today if I wasn’t involved in union meetings and volunteering at rallies.”