News
Ready for Graduation
On February 9th, 23 formerly incarcerated and gang-impacted community members will graduate from Flintridge Center’s Apprenticeship Preparation Program. It is always a joy for us to recognize the hard work students, instructors, and community partners invest in every semester of the program. In light of the increase in community violence in Pasadena and Altadena in recent months, we’re especially looking forward to celebrating the commitment this class has made to improving themselves and their communities.
The graduating class has accomplished a lot. Five students have already landed interviews for major union construction projects, and four have been accepted into unions and will start work shortly after graduation. The whole class has been OSHA safety certified, gotten first aid and CPR certifications, completed the union-approved pre-apprenticeship curriculum, visited five union training sites, built their resumes, done dozens of mock interviews, and completed an intensive life skills course led by 2nd Call. They worked in teams to construct five Little Free Libraries, which will be installed in Northwest Pasadena neighborhoods and provide free books to community members.
Two days after the site visit, several APP students went to the Local 78 office to submit paperwork and take an aptitude test, taking the first step toward becoming an apprentice in the union. We are infinitely proud of these students’ commitment to their future careers and look forward to cheering them on through the union application process.
We could not be more excited for the graduation ceremony. Speakers at the event will include Pasadena City Councilmember John Kennedy, past graduates, current students, and officials from our union construction trade partners.