Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
DANVILLE - From ages 21 to 51, ranging from a mother of two to a father of seven, 11 Danville residents recently graduated from a pre-apprenticeship program run by the East Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council. The 13-week program provides a stipend while participants learn the basics of the trades, tour training centers and meet union leaders. Students also receive instruction in test-taking skills needed for union entry and workplace safety training. The program is part of a statewide initiative through HIRE360 and is funded by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. The program targeted Vermilion County residents, with preference given to individuals residing in underserved areas ready to embark on a rewarding and stable career path. A similar program was offered in Champaign County in October. The graduation ceremony on November 22 included a keynote address from Danville Alderman Ed Butler, a co-founder of Three Kings of Peace. The graduates were Zytara Boyd, Jeffrey Bryant, Mike Buttitta, Aleasta Callahan, Andrew Douglas, Michael Earl, Dajuan Harper, Jovan House, Terry Loyd, Kevin Severado and Kamron Jones.
Photo Gallery ~
