FROM PRE-APPRENTICES TO JOURNEYPERSONS: TARGET BUILDING AND CARP'S ROLE IN WORKFORCE TRANSFORMATION

FROM PRE-APPRENTICES TO JOURNEYPERSONS: TARGET BUILDING AND CARP'S ROLE IN WORKFORCE TRANSFORMATION

BY NATHAN DENNIS, PRESIDENT | TARGET BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

Target Building has maintained a strong partnership with the Carpenters’ Apprentice Ready Program (CARP) for several years, during which the program has undergone significant evolution under the guidance of leaders Bob Landy, Ron Walsh, and Joe Lockley. Over time, several CARP participants have progressed to become journeypersons with Target Building. This year, we are proud to have hired two more CARP graduates as carpenter apprentices, Jashon Holland and David Wakeley Jr., who are already exceeding our expectations.

I recently had the privilege of attending the CARP graduation ceremony at the Philadelphia Museum of Art with our Director of Field Operations, Dan Hummel, alongside 30 students who graduated from the program. Speaking with the graduates, I was impressed by how prepared they were to enter the workforce. Their confidence and readiness were evident, a testament to the quality of the CARP program.

Bob Landy, who gave the commencement speech, made a significant impression with his passion and dedication to the students. His advice to the graduates was simple yet powerful: show up early, be the first onsite and the last to leave, and always come to work no matter the circumstances. He reminded the graduates that while there may be days when they don’t feel their best or have personal challenges, their union brothers and sisters will be there to support them, and it’s essential to take turns stepping up when needed. This sense of teamwork and responsibility resonated with me.

The Carpenters’ Apprentice Read Program is a 10-week training program that gives participants math and skills training and prepares them to take the Carpenters Apprenticeship Exam and begin careers in the union carpentry, but it goes beyond that. It fosters a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility, which is clearly reflected in the apprentices' dedication. The two CARP graduate apprentices currently working with us are excellent examples. One is contributing at the UPenn Stuart Weitzman Hall project, while the other is working at the SHIP Building 1 in Springhouse. Both apprentices are showing up every day, working hard, and exceeding our expectations. We are excited to watch their continued growth as they progress through their apprenticeship and contribute to the success of Target Building.

During the CARP graduation, I gained deeper insight into the program’s holistic approach to supporting the participants. A representative from Everybody Builds Philadelphia inquired about a graduate who had missed his driver’s test, and when the graduate explained that he had no way to get there, the representative immediately took action. They arranged a new test date and provided transportation, ensuring that the young man would have his license and, therefore, a reliable way to get to work. This experience highlighted why the CARP program is so successful: it’s a team effort that goes beyond just technical training. They make sure the needs of each candidate are met, acting on their promises and ensuring results.

It’s essential to spread the word about the quality of the CARP program and its impact. I hope that more construction managers in Philadelphia have the opportunity to learn about this initiative and see the caliber of pre-apprentices that it produces. Attending the graduation was eye-opening for me; the professionalism of the candidates was undeniable. These young men and women were dressed well, carried themselves with confidence, and greeted me with firm handshakes and direct eye contact. It’s clear that the program doesn’t just teach carpentry—it also emphasizes the importance of how to present oneself in the professional world.

I think a key aspect of the CARP program’s success is that it doesn’t rely on legacies, which helps introduce new individuals to the trades who may not have previous knowledge of the union trades. This approach is crucial for the continued replenishment of skilled labor in the city. If every union brought in even 30 new candidates annually, it would help lead to a steady infusion of qualified, skilled workers into the workforce, changing the landscape for the next generation.

During a recent visit to the CARP school, Bob Landy gave me a tour of the facilities, and I was deeply impressed by what I saw. The shop area, welding shop, and an underwater tank used to teach students underwater welding were remarkable. During the visit, I observed students taking their final exams, and the focus and intensity in the room was palpable. It was clear how seriously these students were taking their education and training. Some will likely go on to become foremen, superintendents, or even start their own businesses, creating jobs and further contributing to the construction industry.

At Target Building, we are proud of our partnership with CARP and look forward to seeing how the program continues to evolve. By helping to grow pre-apprenticeship programs like CARP, we’re contributing to the future of the trades in Philadelphia and ensuring that the next generation of workers is well-prepared to meet the demands of the industry. We remain committed to supporting these efforts and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on our workforce and our city.

The Carpenters Joint Apprentice Committee of Philadelphia & Vicinity, the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, and the General Building Contractors Association, have partnered to offer the CARP. CARP is a Pre-Apprenticeship program registered with the PA Department of Labor

Everybody Builds Philadelphia works with existing Philadelphia Building and Construction Trade Union and Apprenticeship and PreApprenticeship programs to increase the skilled diverse workforce in the construction industry.