Training Program Helps Turn Dreams Into Real Jobs
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Just a month after completing the Building Futures training program in
May, Anthony Evans is now working full time as a Plumber Helper for W.L. Gary
Mechanical Contractors. An exemplary student, Evans had one of the highest math
scores in the Building Futures class – a GSA-funded program of the Council’s
Community Services Agency -- and won a “perfect attendance” award.
“Kudos to Anthony and also to Joe Short at Plumbers Local 5,” said CSA
Executive Director Kathleen McKirchy. “Local 5 is one of our partners at
Building Futures, and worked closely with CSA to help Anthony find work.”
Evans’ goal is to join the Plumbers’ apprenticeship program and become a
career tradesman. “Building Futures and its union partners equipped Anthony
with the skills and support he needed to attain his career goals but it’s
Anthony who made it happen,” added McKirchy. As soon as the plumbers assigned
him to a contractor, Anthony called Building Futures and said “I got picked
up! It was hard but you guys helped me stay focused.” McKirchy said that
“Like us, Anthony still believes in the American dream that says if we go to
school, work hard, and become productive employees, we can then expect to
support a family, raise and educate our children, enjoy a healthy and fulfilling
life and retire with dignity. This dream turns real and tangible every time one
of our clients gets back in the workforce.”
- Sylvia
Casaro; photo by Jenna Gold