CONSTRUCTION LEADERS HELP MORE PHILADELPHIANS INTO STABLE, FAMILY- SUSTAINING CAREERS

CONSTRUCTION LEADERS HELP MORE PHILADELPHIANS INTO STABLE, FAMILYSUSTAINING CAREERS

BY BYRON LEE, SENIOR MANAGER, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS | GBCA

At 43, Mike Favors — born and raised in North Philadelphia — has taken charge at notable construction projects throughout the region. As a superintendent with TN Ward Company, he plays a vital role in shaping the city, but he never thought he would be where he is today.

“I ran into some trouble when I was younger and was kicked out of high school. I thought a career like this wasn’t realistic for an African American man like me,” he says. “When I realized I needed to turn my life around, carpentry enabled me to do a complete 180.”

After enrolling in Philadelphia Job Corps, where he earned his GED and specialized in carpentry, Favors was doing small construction jobs around the neighborhood. While he was at a job hanging sheetrock, he was introduced to the union.

“A few union carpenters happened to come in and told me I could be earning about six times what I was making for similar work,” says Favors. They encouraged him to take the Carpenters’ Apprenticeship entrance exam.

Driven by the opportunity to better support his family, he learned more about the union, going as far as hiring a math tutor to help him pass the test. He then found a contractor to sponsor his apprenticeship.

“I learned everything I possibly could, applied myself, and the rest is history,” he notes. “Now I’m living an honest life, am constantly putting my brain to work, and cannot believe the life I’ve built for my wife and kids.”

While Favors’ story illustrates the many rewarding career opportunities in commercial construction, the General Building Contractors Association (GBCA) — representing the leading contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and construction services firms in the region — and its partners are working to ensure these success stories aren’t left up to chance.

Equitable Career Opportunities

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), a key priority for GBCA, is steering these industry efforts.

“When it comes to equity and workforce development, we’re focused on three things: ensuring a level playing field for all Philadelphians who are interested in commercial construction; providing support that will help them build lasting careers; and connecting our members with the highly skilled, diverse talent they need,” says GBCA President & CEO Benjamin J. Connors, Esq. CAE.

That’s where programs like the Carpenters’ Apprentice Ready Program (CARP) come in. CARP, a joint initiative between GBCA and the Carpenters Joint Apprentice Committee (JAC), reaches Philadelphians who don’t have a direct connection to the Carpenters’ Union, who once considered union commercial construction careers exclusive or closed off, and who don’t have any pre-existing trade skills. This pre-apprenticeship program provides exposure to all aspects of the trade, hands-on skills training, classroom education — namely in math, and networking opportunities. All of this prepares CARP graduates to take the apprenticeship exam, join the union, and get connected with a sponsor.

“It’s not about getting people onto individual projects and then wishing them well once those jobs are done. Union construction apprenticeships are about building careers and building a community that lasts for generations,” says Robert Landy, Director of the JAC.

Twenty-four students from 2022’s first CARP cohort passed the apprenticeship exam, with another cohort finishing the program in July.

One of those graduates is 20-year-old Serenity Peterson from Southwest Philadelphia, who is two months into her apprenticeship with Madison Concrete Construction. Before CARP, she didn’t know how to use a hammer or cut a 2x4. Now, with a foundation of skills and knowledge, she’s helping to build a new 19-story building at 31st and Walnut Streets.

“Participating in CARP has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” says Peterson. “After graduating high school, I wanted to invest in myself and give myself financial freedom. Thanks to CARP and everyone who has helped me, I know I’ll be able to do that and really be someone. Contrary to popular belief, African American women do have a place in union construction.”

Bringing Union Jobs Within Reach

Isaiah Labell, a graduate of the inaugural CARP class in 2017 and a carpenter for B. Pietrini & Sons, recalls hearing similar misconceptions while growing up in North Philadelphia.

“People made it seem like it was impossible for a young African American to join the union,” Labell says. “I never thought in a million years I would get there, but CARP and a lot of hard work provided me that opportunity.”

Labell initially took a pay cut from his job in the home services industry to join the union as an apprentice. However, he saw the bigger picture: more long-term earning power, a fully paid benefits package, a pension, and a uniquely gratifying career.

“Being part of the union is a dream job for construction,” adds Labell, who continues to hone his craft and seize opportunities for growth. “People — especially minorities — need to know it’s attainable and that there are endless possibilities once you have your foot in the door.” Visit gbca.com for more information.

Visit gbca.com for more information.