I am a second-generation plasterer who has been working in the industry for more than 30 years. My career began by serving a formal apprenticeship, working as journeyman and foreman on both residential and commercial projects, and I even tried my hand for several years as a small contractor specializing in home remodeling and historic restoration. But for the majority of my career, I have been a union representative and an apprenticeship instructor in Southern California.
Five years ago, I was offered the opportunity to relocate to Washington and oversee our industry's contract to manage a national "pre-apprenticeship" program called Job Corps; a partnership comprised of 56 regional training programs sponsored by labor, management and the federal government that provide vocational training and employment opportunities to America's disadvantaged youth.