Award-winning pre-apprenticeship program has connected 350+ participants to high-paying careers in the building trades
PITTSBURGH, PA – Pittsburgh Gateways proudly celebrates the 10-year anniversary of its Introduction to the Construction Trades (ITCT) program, a transformative pre-apprenticeship initiative that has opened doors to high-paying, sustainable careers for hundreds of residents across Western Pennsylvania.
Since its inception in 2015, ITCT has served over 350 participants, reaching out to individuals who have historically lacked a clear pathway to opportunities in the Building Trades – the powerhouse network of 16 trade unions responsible for major commercial construction and infrastructure projects throughout the region.
“For a decade, Introduction to the Construction Trades has been more than just a training program – it’s been a pathway to economic mobility and personal transformation,” said Don Evans, CEO and President of Pittsburgh Gateways, during the program’s anniversary celebration at the Energy Innovation Center on September 18th. “We’ve watched participants move from unemployment or underemployment to securing apprenticeships with some of the most respected unions in the country, allowing our region to grow through the strength of our own workforce.”
Program Excellence Recognized
ITCT’s commitment to excellence was recognized in 2025 when the program received prestigious awards from both the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the North American Building Trades Unions (NABTU), affirming its role as a national model for pre-apprenticeship training.
The comprehensive 5-week program prepares participants for entry into specialist apprentice programs across multiple construction trades. Students receive extensive training including:
- OSHA 10 Certification
- Flagger Certification
- CPR/AED Certification
- NABTU MC3 integrated curriculum
- Basic hands-on construction training
- Math and mechanical aptitude development
- Professional development and soft skills training
- Direct pathways to union apprenticeship interviews
Serving Those Who Need It Most
ITCT specifically focuses on reaching marginalized communities, including the unemployed and underemployed, veterans, and individuals re-entering the workforce. The program provides not only technical training but also crucial support including paid stipends during training, comprehensive career counseling, and ongoing mentorship.
“Our graduates don’t just get jobs – they build careers,” explained Chaquita Barnett, who oversees program operations. “We maintain strong partnerships with building trade apprenticeship training directors, giving our graduates direct access to union interviews and applications upon completion.”
Looking Toward the Future
As the construction industry evolves to meet sustainability goals, ITCT has expanded its curriculum to include innovations in construction training. Recent cohorts receive specialized instruction in building science, solar installation, HVAC systems, and weatherization techniques – skills essential for the future of sustainable construction.
The program’s strategic partnerships span across the region, including collaborations with the Construction Building Trades of Western Pennsylvania, General Contractors of Western Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades Council, Partner4Work, PennDOT, and numerous other workforce development organizations.
Celebrating Success Stories
The anniversary event featured testimonials from graduates spanning the program’s decade-long history, from Jeffrey Johnson (Class of September 2017) to recent graduates Briea Curry and James Cole (Class of September 2025). Their stories illustrate the program’s consistent ability to transform lives and create pathways to life-sustaining careers.
Keynote speaker Rob Cherry, CEO of Partner4Work, was introduced by Maurice Walker and emphasized the critical role that programs like ITCT play in addressing skilled workforce shortages while providing economic opportunities to underserved communities.
Economic Impact
ITCT delivers substantial return on investment. Graduates enter apprenticeships with starting wages well above minimum wage, with long-term growth potential.
“We’re not just training workers – we’re building the foundation for families and communities,” noted Ron Sapp, discussing the program’s future vision. “Every graduate represents economic stability, career growth potential, and a skilled professional ready to contribute to our region’s infrastructure needs.”
About Pittsburgh Gateways Corporation
Pittsburgh Gateways Corporation (PGC) is an economic development nonprofit serving western Pennsylvania with a mission to identify unrealized potential and create economic pathways by connecting people, places and communities. Among its many regional initiatives, PGC is the developer, owner and manager of the Energy Innovation Center, the former Connelley Trade School which is located in the historic Hill District of Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh Gateways Corporation is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is the proud sponsor of the Introduction to the Construction Trades program. For more information, visit: pghgateways.org
Program Information: To learn more about Introduction to the Construction Trades or to apply for upcoming cohorts, visit PGHGATEWAYS.ORG or call Deidra Washington, ITCT Program Manager, at 412.482.3336
Partnership Opportunities: Organizations interested in supporting ITCT through partnerships, hiring graduates, or providing training sites are encouraged to contact Pittsburgh Gateways directly at info@pghgateways.org.