New England Laborers' Educational Initiatives

Across the New England Region (which includes New York State) Laborers are excited about the new programs we have instituted to bring the world of Construction into our public schools. For too many years students, teachers and guidance counselors were not aware of the many opportunities available to young people throughout the construction industry. The New England Region of the Laborers' International Union of North America has made a concerted effort on behalf of our industry and our contractors to open the doors to young people who are interested in the world of industrial construction.

The New England Laborers'/Cranston Public Schools Construction and Career Academy
The New England Laborers' made headlines in 2001 by partnering with a public school district to open the first Grade 9-12 Charter School with a focus on Construction Careers.
They are sponsored by our Local 271 in Providence, RI.
Dr. Judith Lundsten, Superintendent, 401-270-8000
Dennis Curran, Executive Director, 401-270-8692

Medford Vocational Technical High School Construction Craft Laborers Program
In 2003, a new model of construction opportunity was created by the Laborers in collaboration with Laborers Local 22 of Boston and the Superintendent's office of the Medford Public Schools. A course entitled Construction Craft Laborer is now offered in the school's roster of vocational programs. The instructor for this program works with our New England Laborers' Training Academy in Hopkington, MA to develop curriculum. The Construction Craft Laborers program received Chapter 74 Certification from the State of Massachusetts this past year, which allows our instructors to become Certified Vocational Teachers. 
Roy E. Belson, Superintendent, 781-393-2442 or 2364
Dr. William Mahoney, Director of Vocational Education, 781-393-2260 

Newburgh Free Academy Construction Craft Laborers Program
The next year, our Newburgh New York Local 17 developed yet another model for the vocational program at Newburgh Free Acadmey. In this program, the Construction Craft Laborer teacher works in conjunction with the residential carpentry teacher to give students an overview of both industrial construction as well as the residential market.
Melissa Seigel, Principal, 845-563-5400

Tri-County Vocational Technical High School Construction Craft Laborers Program
Beginning in the fall of 2009, this program in Franklin, MA (covering a region of 11 cities and towns) will follow the same vocational curriculum as the Medford, MA program. They are sponsored and supported by Laborers Local 609 and the New England Laborers' Training Academy in Hopkington, MA.
Jean George, Vocational Director, 508-528-5400

Providence Career and Technical Academy
At the present time, the New England Laborers are represented on the Advisory Board of the Academy through a grant from Nellie Mae with Building Futures. Mr. Michael Sabitoni, Business Manager of Laborers Local 271 and President of the Building and Construction Trades Council and Mr. Michael Traficante, Chairman of the Board of the New England Laborers'/Cranston Public Schools Construction Career Academy and Chairman of the Cranston School Committee. Mr. Sabitoni has partnered with Building Futures on several initiatives.
Ramon Torres, Director, 401-456-9136
Luke Driver, Director of Vocational Education, 401-456-9136

Additional Alliances...

City of Cranston
Community College of Rhode Island
Cranston Alternate Education Programs
Cranston Chamber of Commerce
Cranston Police Department
Cranston Public Schools
Governor's Workforce Board RI
Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust
Laborers' Health and Safety Fund of North America
Laborers' International Union of North America
Motor Technical Training Institute
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New England Laborers' Labor Management and Cooperation Trust
New England Laborers' Training Academy
New England Laborers' Training Trust Fund
New England Laborers' Union
RI Department of Education
RI Department of Labor and Training
RI Foundation
Serve Rhode Island
Workforce Solutions of Providence/Cranston
Yes RI
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