“I can’t wait to do this again!” said Michelle Black (left), after being the first to volunteer as Building Futures Instructor Rosella Scott, from Plasterers and Cement Masons 891, led students last week in a hands-on exercise where he demonstrated using a straight edge to flatten, edge, float and trowel a slab of concrete -- with sand standing in for this demonstration -- then moved on to cut the joints to produce a sidewalk. The training is part of CSA's 6-week construction pre-apprenticeship program for low-income DC residents, which leads to placement in union apprenticeship programs and living wage jobs in the construction industry. "The students really learn from Mr. Scott, a 50-year plus member of Local 891, who can still deliver the goods," said Job Developer Tia Watkins. "His years of experience are a great lesson for our students."
- photo by Tia Watkins
- photo by Tia Watkins