Completing a Circle in the Skilled Trades

This first picture, a garage ramp in Washington Square Park, is one of a dozen projects that I worked on as a general laborer and carpenter’s apprentice for a year and change with Jostin Construction .

I remember a lot about each of these projects and still tell Liz– “I helped build that” - when we pass by one of them. But, 14 years later, I still remember this specific ‘pour’ like it was yesterday.

At this time, I had worked on several major commercial projects, earned my stripes on the team, and thought I was rough and tough. Pulling concrete uphill at 3 in the morning was an experience that humbled me back to an appropriate level that I try to keep to this day.

Many of these days were filled with physical pain, social isolation, and mental exhaustion. But my memories of this time are filled with positive stories about the people I worked with, the projects I worked on, and the life lessons I still use.

Articulating my time in the trades is one of my stories that I’ve struggled to tell- until recently. A local foundation hired QCI to evaluate community partners who are making a significant impact in advancing the skilled trades and construction workforce development. This client is looking to make a deeper investment into a smaller group of partners, prioritizing quality over quantity.

Facilitating this project with a client that understands the value of people and organizations that are doing data-driven programming to change the lives of families through dignified careers completed that personal circle.

Pouring concrete at the Casino in 2012- I never would have been able to see how I would use this experience to help others. But I do now and can better tell my story.