Baltimore-DC Building Trades and CSA recognized for diversity work

The Baltimore-DC Building Trades (formerly CHOICE) was awarded “The Legacy Commitment to Diversity Award” by the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC WMAC) last Friday for their work recruiting residents from historically neglected communities into state-of-the-art union apprenticeship programs. These industry-recognized academic and hands-on apprenticeships teach skills that will provide graduates greater career opportunity and economic advancement over a lifetime.  The award also recognizes the Baltimore DC Building Trades for their work with minority contractors to ensure that minority employers are included on Project Labor Agreements.  “It is through our affiliates working with their contractor partners and showing value to them that we are able to continue to provide apprenticeship and work opportunities to residents” said DC Director Stephen Courtien (click here for a brief video of his acceptance speech). Rosalind Styles, President of NAMC WMAC added that “I have worked with the building trades unions for years and have seen their willingness to actively work with minority contractors, demonstrating a genuine commitment to diversity.” Also honored was the Community Services Agency for its successful Building Futures Pre-Apprenticeship Program, which prepares low-income DC residents for entry into apprenticeship and jobs in construction.
photos: below: Baltimore-DC Building Trades affiliates receive their award; top right (l-r): Rosalind Styles, NAMC Chapter President; Steve Courtien, Baltimore-DC Building Trades, and CSA’s Sylvia Casaro-Dietert, who coordinates the Building Futures Program; photo by Kathleen McKirchy.

---