News

Building Pathways Graduates 15 Workers From Pre-apprenticeship Program

by Julie Walker
Wednesday Jul 9, 2014

On Friday, June 27 fifteen young minority women and men graduated from the Building Pathways Program, made possible by the leadership of Boston's Mayor Martin Walsh. Building Pathways is a highly successful pre-apprenticeship program that provides an opportunity for low-income Boston area residents to attain a career in the building trades. Mayor Walsh has often referred to the Building Pathways Program as his proudest accomplishment in the building trades.

"Creating the Building Pathways program was one of my proudest achievements during my time with the Building Trades," said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "This is a program of opportunity that makes real, tangible change in the lives of women and people of color. I'm moved by the stories of the program participants, and I could not be more proud of the success of the program overall. Congratulations to the graduates, and I wish you the best of luck as you start your new careers."

Along with partners including the Boston Housing Authority, Building and Construction Trades Council of the Metropolitan District, and Building Trades Training Director Association, Action for Boston Community Development is proud to support the achievements of these 15 graduates as they complete this challenging and rewarding program. John J. Drew, ABCD President/CEO explained "Partnering with the Building Pathways program has meant helping men and women from low-income communities achieve careers that will offer stability, financial security, and tremendous opportunities for personal success. As ABCD continues to help Boston's most vulnerable overcome poverty and achieve their full potential we offer our congratulations to the graduating class."

Since 2011, Building Pathways has completed seven training cycles with over 100 graduates. The core elements of the program include extensive outreach and recruitment; a comprehensive application and assessment process; case management and support services; a 6-week life/employment and occupational skills training course; and career coaching, placement and retention support.