“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Alabama Power to change more lives in the state of Alabama. We know the power of investing in local workers, and we appreciate Alabama Power’s commitment to do this with us,” said Sean McGarvey, NABTU president.

Sponsored by NABTU, ARPs give students hands-on training and educational services that introduce union crafts and the construction industry before they select a specific career trade. More than 150 of these programs nationwide develop plumbers, electricians, ironworkers and other skilled professionals, supporting economic growth and providing contract workers for companies including Alabama Power.

“I’m honored to join forces with NABTU leadership and the millions of skilled tradespeople,” Crosswhite said. “Investing in our local communities through educational resources like the Apprenticeship Readiness Program helps develop the highly skilled workforce we need.”

Through collaboration with NABTU, Alabama Power provides training opportunities to prepare residents, particularly those from underrepresented communities, and transitioning veterans for registered building trade apprenticeship programs.

Two Alabama-based ARPs have had success this year at Jefferson State Community College and Lawson State Community College. These efforts have become a standard that NABTU hopes to replicate across the country.

“The Apprenticeship Readiness Program is amazing,” said Lydia Griffin, an ARP graduate. “It really opened my eyes to careers I never knew existed. I realized the benefits that the building trades can offer, and it’s made me really excited for my future career.”

Visit NABTU.org to learn more about the program.

(Courtesy of Alabama NewsCenter)

North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) sponsors ARPs, which are designed to prepare residents, particularly those from underrepresented communities and transitioning veterans, for registered Building Trade apprenticeship programs. These programs develop plumbers, electricians, ironworkers and other skilled professionals who propel growth in the state.

In celebration of the students’ accomplishment, a graduation ceremony was held in June at Alabama Power corporate headquarters in Birmingham. Participants and their families were in attendance, along with leaders of the local business community and higher education and national union leadership.

NABTU Secretary-Treasurer Brent Booker praised the graduates for their drive and completion of the program.

“What you’ve put into this is what you’ll get out of it. Through the Apprenticeship Readiness Program, you’ve changed your life. You’ve changed the next generation of your family and you’ve changed the economic trajectory of where you’re going. Stay on that track,” Booker said, challenging the graduates.

“We are pleased to have our first graduating class of Birmingham and plan to offer future ARPs in Alabama,” said Brandon Bishop, NABTU Southern representative.

Potential students interested in the next class starting in July should contact Terry Davis, ARP coordinator, at trdavis@centurytel.net by July 15.

(Courtesy of Alabama NewsCenter)

The North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) sponsors ARPs, designed to prepare local residents, particularly those from underrepresented communities and transitioning veterans, for registered Building Trade apprenticeship programs. These programs produce plumbers, electricians, ironworkers and other skilled professionals that propel growth in the state.

State and local Building Trade Councils administer the programs, partnering with local business, education and community leaders to provide comprehensive pre-apprenticeship training in local communities.

“The Apprentice Readiness Program provides the opportunity for local residents to prepare themselves to compete for career opportunities in the building trades unions, which supports many industries through their specialized construction skills,” said Alabama ARP Coordinator Terry Davis.

Through a pre-apprenticeship, participants receive hands-on training and educational services, exposing them to union crafts and the construction industry before they select a specific career trade. Program administrators aid throughout the application process for Registered Apprenticeship programs.

“Skilled trades are so important for Alabama’s economy today, as well as the economy of the future. Investing in local communities through educational resources like the Apprentice Readiness Program helps develop the highly skilled workforce we need,” said Jeff Peoples, Alabama Power senior vice president of Employee Services and Labor Relations.

“This class mirrors the diversity of the workers in our state and I am excited to see such determined students who want to advance their careers,” said Southern Company Workforce Development Specialist Tom McNeal.

Potential students who want to learn more about future offerings of the program should contact Terry Davis at trdavis@centurytel.net.

(Courtesy of Alabama NewsCenter)