Rebuild Philadelphia’s last week celebrated six men who completed the Ironworkers Academy program. Rebuild’s skilled trade academies offer paid training programs in the trades, providing a pathway to union apprenticeships and family-sustaining careers. As part of their training, graduates visited an active worksite in the region and spoke with current ironworkers about their experiences in the trade.
The ceremony took place at Ironworkers Local 401, 11600 Norcom Road.
Graduates were Quameir Ballard, Robert Pigford, Derk Carter, Alex Santiago, Michael Cormier and Adrian Trottie. They received certificates and bags with tools, and they and their families were treated to pizza, cookies and drinks.
Joining the graduates were Tiffany Smith, Director of Workforce Development, Capital Program Office; Mick McGrogan, Apprentice Coordinator, Ironworkers Local 401; Joe Gollotto, Apprentice Coordinator, Ironworkers Local 405; Aiisha Herring, Deputy Director for Diverse Business & Workforce Development, Rebuild; city managing director Carlton Williams; Joe Bartorillo, an instructor with Local 405; Fran Marsh, an instructor with Local 401; and Aparna Palantino, deputy managing director, Capital Program Office.
“We’re proud of you,” Herring said.
Now in its third year, the Ironworkers Academy is a four-week paid training program hosted by Rebuild in partnership with Ironworkers Locals 401 and 405. More than 150 people applied for the most recent class. The men worked weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. No absences were allowed.
“Every single person on this stage put in the work to be here today,” Smith said.
“They got a condensed first-year apprenticeship,” Marsh said.
All Rebuild academies require no prior experience in the construction industry and offer the training and experience needed to pursue a union apprenticeship along with professional development workshops and supportive services. To date, more than 200 people have completed skilled trades training programs, with more than 67 percent going on to union apprentices or working full-time in their trade. ••
