Building a Career, One Brick at a Time

“Don't worry if it doesn't come perfect at first," said Matt Redabaugh encouragingly. "Jump in and see if you like doing this work.” Redabaugh, Apprenticeship and Training Director at the International Masonry Institute/ Bricklayers Local 1, urged students to step up at one of the practice stations on Monday. Bricklayers Local 1 President Scott Garvin rolled up his sleeves and joined Redabaugh (left, in blue cap) in leading the Community Service Agency’s Building Futures pre-apprenticeship students during their hands-on practice. 
"Bricklaying is the way to go if you try to build a solid career," Garvin (above, tan shirt) said. "The local’s apprenticeship program is taking applications now,” said Sylvia Casaro Dietert, Building Futures Program Coordinator, “and I hope that some of our Building Futures students are accepted as finishers or bricklayer apprentices upon graduation September 12."  The Community Services Agency has operated the Building Futures Pre-Apprenticeship Program since 2007, in partnership with several public and private area funders, and with area union apprenticeship training centers.
photos by Sylvia Casaro-Dietert

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