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.

The event gave special recognition to Larry Silverstein, a longtime advocate of the Construction Skills program, who generously donated the space at 7 World Trade Center for the reception. Diane Springer, former Director of Program Services, was awarded The Building Futures Award, in recognition of her dedication and contribution to Construction Skills’ mission.

Many prominent public officials and agency leaders including Sharon Greenberger, President and CEO of the New York City School Construction Authority, Douglas Apple, General Manager of the New York City Housing Authority, Louis J. Coletti, President and CEO of the Building Trades Employers' Association and Board Chairman of Construction Skills, Paul E. Fernandes, President of Construction Skills, and Edward J. Malloy, former President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, were among those who addressed the guests at the reception.

The graduates of Construction Skills’ pre-apprenticeship training program enter the unionized construction industry through the organization’s direct-entry referral process. Once apprenticed, they attend classes jointly sponsored by unions and contractors, while simultaneously being employed on construction projects throughout New York City. As members of a unionized building and construction trades union, graduates earn high wages, health insurance and pension benefits.

Given the current economic outlook, the mission of Construction Skills has become especially critical. The program aims to strengthen New York City’s middle class by providing a viable career path in the unionized construction industry. With the help of Construction Skills, families from all backgrounds have a chance to succeed.