BUD program graduates 17th diverse class of pre-apprentices ready to start work in the building trades

BUILDING UNION DIVERSITY graduated its 17th class of pre-apprentices last week, in the continuing effort of local building trades unions to increase recruitment of minorities and women into construction union apprenticeships. Celebrating their completion of the five-week class – and the job offers already received by four of the recent graduates – were (front row, from left) Joshua Terry, Tyler Evans, Charles Williams of the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE), Quinn Brace, Christopher Stewart, Jermaine Askew, BUD Program Director Russ Signorino (back row, from left) Trevonn Gentry, Jonathan Wilson, Ronnie Axell, St. Louis County Special Projects Coordinator Pat Dolan, Terrence Bush, Robert Griffin, Christopher Caples and Timothy Ndon. The BUD program has graduated 198 participants, 86 percent of whom have found jobs in the construction industry. If you or someone you know is interested in getting started in the building and construction trades, contact BUD Program Director Russ Signorino at russ.signorio@yahoo.com or call 314-303-6082. – Labor Tribune photo