News
Meet the Next Generation of Union Apprentices
A new cohort of motivated and dedicated individuals are ready to take on union careers.
On October 24th, 15 future union members graduated from our Apprenticeship Preparation Program, a career readiness program that prepares formerly incarcerated community members for union construction careers. Over the three-month course, the graduates learned everything they need to know to be successful in unions — from physical fitness, to basic math, to a history of the trades. They also participated in intensive life skills sessions with our partner 2nd Call that addressed emotional issues and the root causes of trauma.
At the graduation ceremony, keynote speaker Councilmember Tyron Hampton shared a personal story on the impact incarceration had on his family member, and encouraged graduates to stay motivated and connected to Flintridge Center.
Student speakers Kyung Lee and Heriberto Sabia shared how being in the APP class impacted them. Kyung said, “Once the class started, inspiration opened up within me. A future that I had not had before.” Kyung’s mother came all the way from Korea for the ceremony, and got to celebrate his birthday with him.
We also heard from APP alum and union electrician Dilon Cortez, who told current graduates, “Flintridge Center staff will go to the ends of the earth for you. But the one person who has to put in the most work is yourself.”
Special honors went to our partner, the Foothill Workforce Development Board, who provides referrals and significant funding for trainees to our program.
We can’t wait to see where our graduates go from here. Check out this video to hear more about their experiences.