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A Message from Beli Acharya, Executive Director
This summer, CTWI is energized by the momentum we’re building along both coasts. From Baltimore to the Bay Area, we’re advancing local partnerships, launching innovative training programs, and driving statewide policy efforts—all with a clear mission: connecting diverse community members to quality, high-road union careers.
As workforce challenges and opportunities evolve, CTWI is expanding its reach—welcoming new cohorts, supporting job seekers at every stage, and collaborating closely with employers, municipalities, labor partners, and public agencies to create inclusive workforce systems that work for all.
Whether placing pre-apprentices in climate-resilient infrastructure jobs or advocating for sustained investment in apprenticeship and training, our impact continues to grow.
In this edition, you’ll read about the programs and initiatives moving the needle on workforce development. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and grateful for your ongoing support in this vital work.
In solidarity,
Beli Acharya
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Celebrating our Latest MC3 Pre-Apprenticeship Graduates
CTWI, in partnership with the Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council, proudly graduated our second Raising the Bar MC3 Pre-Apprenticeship cohort! Over six intensive weeks, 14 students explored local union trades, sharpened their construction math skills, and laid the foundation for successful union careers.
We’re thrilled to share that, so far, 10 graduates have already started as apprentices in the union construction industry—earning family-sustaining wages and benefits as they build their futures.
Hear directly from DeShae Moore, one of our standout graduates and now a 1st period apprentice with Plumbers Local 5, in this inspiring video.
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CTWI Awarded Roads to Careers Grant
The Construction Trades Workforce Initiative is honored to be a recipient of the Road to Careers Grant—a joint effort by the Maryland Department of Labor and the Maryland Department of Transportation to strengthen the state’s talent pipeline in the construction and transportation sectors.
In partnership with the Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council, we’re engaging directly with local communities to recruit, educate, and prepare women and people of color for family-sustaining careers in the union construction trades.
We are especially grateful to Governor Wes Moore and his administration for their leadership in expanding access to apprenticeship and advancing equity in Maryland’s workforce.
As this work continues, we’re committed to ensuring that strong labor standards are at the center of every conversation—so that workers from all backgrounds have the protections, training, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Ready to Launch a Career in the Union Construction Trades?
Our upcoming Baltimore cohort beginning July 21, 2025 is officially full—but it’s not too late to join our final Raising the Bar MC3 Pre-Apprenticeship cohort of the year, launching in Prince George’s County this September.
Spots are limited! To learn more or express interest, email CTWI Program
Manager Jane Pierce at Jane@ctwi-btca.org today!
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Building Futures: Celebrating Our Newest MC3 Graduates
This spring marked a major milestone for CTWI’s workforce partnerships across California. We proudly celebrated the graduation of our first-ever MC3 Pre-Apprenticeship cohorts at four high schools and community colleges.
In total, 74 students completed the MC3 curriculum and are now taking their first steps into careers in the unionized construction industry.
We're proud to partner with educational institutions, unions, and communities to build the next generation of skilled, construction workers. Congratulations to all of our graduates!
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Summer Trades Programs: Building Skills and Pathways
In partnership with West Contra Costa Unified School District, CTWI successfully wrapped up our 3rd annual Summer Trades Program. Over 20 Kennedy High School students spent the start of their summer break engaging in hands-on learning and touring apprenticeship training centers, including the Bricklayers, Tilesetters, Ironworkers, Boilermakers, PG&E, Roofers, and EBMUD’s Pipeline Training Academy.
A huge thank you to our union and district partners for continuing to open doors and inspire the next generation of union construction professionals!
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CTWI Participates in Oakland Listening Session
In June, CTWI joined community partners at a listening session hosted by Mayor Barbara Lee at the Cypress Mandela Training Center. The event focused on workforce development and economic opportunity for Oakland residents.
We’re proud to lend our expertise to these important conversations and remain committed to advancing union careers and local hire opportunities in Oakland through collaborative planning and community-driven solutions
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CTWI’s Second Annual Fundraiser: Building Opportunities, Strengthening Communities
Our second annual fundraiser brought together East Bay leaders, Unions and workforce development partners to celebrate the collective movement expanding access to family-sustaining union construction careers.
We were honored to hear from State Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab and San Leandro Mayor Juan Gonzalez, whose remarks highlighted the vital link between infrastructure, workforce equity, and local prosperity.
CTWI also received a commendation from Supervisor David Haubert’s office, presented by Kathy Kimberlin—recognizing our ongoing work to strengthen communities.
A heartfelt thank you to our industry sponsors for their leadership and commitment to high-road hiring practices, including Pacific Gas and Electric, Turner Construction, Clark Construction, Swinerton, Wareham Development, NECA, Kaiser Permanente, UCSF, LJ Kruse Co., Webcor, Bayer, DSI, United Business Bank, and Weinberg, Roger & Rosenfeld.
Your support creates life-changing pathways into union careers.
To all who joined and supported us—thank you. Our success and sustainability rely on strong partnerships among labor, industry, public agencies, and community.
Thank you so much for those who attended. If you could not attend, but would like to donate, please see the link here.
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In Solidarity,
Beli Acharya
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