Discipline, knowledge, andhigh standards are stressed from Day 1 at Steamfitters Local 602. Building Futures Pre-Apprenticeship students Kimberly and Kevin -- shown here with Apprenticeship Director Gary Murdoch -- learned that lesson at last Saturday’s orientation. The class meets twice a week and "You can't miss any nights,” Murdoch told the 100 applicants. “(This is) a 5-year contract where I commit to train you and you commit to work and come in to the school." The program is designed "to graduate the best mechanics in the industry," Murdoch said. The Metro Washington Council’s Community Services Agency, through its Building Futures pre-apprenticeship program, runs four cohorts a year to prepare DC residents to join the building and construction trades through work and apprenticeship. "We hope both students are successful in their quest for a life-long career" said Sylvia Casaro Dietert, CSA Client Services Coordinator. "We will follow Kim and Kevin through the application process and beyond, and share their experiences in UC as they move along. Stay tuned!" photo by Sylvia Casaro Dietert