First Graduates of the Pathways to Apprenticeship Program Are Ready to Build a Brighter Future with NYCHA
On September 22, NYCHA’s Comprehensive Modernization Department (Comp Mod) celebrated the graduation of its inaugural cohort from the Pathways to Apprenticeship (P2A) program. The ceremony was held at the new Perelman Arts Center in Lower Manhattan, marking the completion of a rigorous five-week training designed to propel residents into careers in the construction industry.
Funded by the Public Housing Community Fund in partnership with Comp Mod, P2A featured 11 participants from four NYCHA developments – Gowanus Houses, St. Nicholas Houses, Todt Hill Houses, and Wyckoff Gardens – selected for renovations under Comp Mod.
At the ceremony, NYCHA’s Vice President of Comprehensive Modernization Michele Moore congratulated the graduating class and highlighted the lasting impact of the program.
“It’s not about landing a temporary job; it’s about forging a long-term, well-paying career in the construction industry through union apprenticeships,” said Ms. Moore. “With over a billion dollars invested in these four developments, a plethora of employment opportunities await, and you are poised to be a part of this.”
Doreen Williams, the Todt Hill Houses Resident Association President, attended to show her support for the graduates and emphasize the importance of programs like the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Section 3 mandate.
“Section 3 has been hiring residents for years, but when the project is over, they have no jobs,” said Ms. Williams. “So [Michele Moore] promised me that not only will they get jobs, but they will get in the union – and that’s very important for NYCHA residents to see that not only is their development being renewed, but their minds, body, and soul, as well, for future generations.”
Executive Director of the Public Housing Community Fund Alex Zablocki applauded the graduates and reminded them that by participating in the P2A program, they have taken the first step towards helping to improve the lives of their fellow New Yorkers.
“Whether you find a job through Comp Mod, building back NYCHA with the billion dollars reinvested in public housing, or with the MTA, building back our subways over the next years, or maybe you’ll build the next Perelman Arts Center, what you’ll be doing is leaving a legacy for New Yorkers,” Mr. Zablocki said.
Reflecting on the transformational journey, graduate Luis Vasquez said, “At the time I didn’t know it would really change me…but when I got to the classroom, then week 2, then week 3, then week 4, and week 5, and now here (graduation), it’s worth it.”
With this graduation, NYCHA highlighted its investment not only in its buildings but also in its residents, reinforcing a community-centric approach towards a brighter and self-sustaining future for the people it serves.
