US Secretary of Transportation Buttigieg Visits Building Futures

US Secretary of Transportation Buttigieg visited Building Futures to learn how our pre-apprenticeship program prepares people for highway construction careers. Funding through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Civil Rights via the RI Department of Transportation ensures our high-quality pre-apprenticeship program is free for participants and supports outreach, recruitment, skills training, placement and post-placement support. By requiring State Transportation Agencies to establish targeted training programs to move women, minorities, and disadvantaged individuals into journey-level positions, the FHWA ensures that a competent workforce is available to meet construction hiring needs and addresses the historical under-representation of these groups in highway skilled crafts.

Secretary Buttigieg was joined by Senator Reed, Senator Whitehouse, Representative Amo, Representative Magaziner, Governor McKee, Lieutenant Governer Matos,  LiUNA General President Brent Booker and General Secretary-Treasurer Michael Sabitoni, leaders from the RI Building and Construction Trades Council unions, Building Futures Board Chair & Build RI Executive Director, Greg Mancini, and leaders from the RIDOT office of Civil Rights.  During his visit, Steve Ranahan, Ironworkers Local 37 and Building Futures’ instructor, gave the Secretary a crash course in using the oxyacetylene torch.

Building Futures graduates spoke with Secretary Buttigieg about their experience in our pre-apprenticeship program and their career goals. Secretary Buttigieg also heard from the chair and co-chair of the RI Women’s Council of the Building and Construction Trades Council, Vennicia Kingston and Darche Hood.  Vennicia and Darche graduated from Building Futures and became journeyworkers in their trades, LiUNA 271 and Insulators Local 6, respectively. Darche is now the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Manager at Dimeo Construction. Vennicia has launched Eagle Eye Construction, a contracting company. Both women are leaders in their fields and passionate about expanding access and opportunity to more tradeswomen.

Rhode Island has an aging construction workforce and many large-scale infrastructure projects underway. Building Futures’ partnership with FHWA, RIDOT, and the union members of the Building and Construction Trades Council ensures that Rhode Island is meeting our workforce and infrastructure needs while expanding access to excellent, rewarding careers. Thank you, Secretary Buttigieg, for spending time with us!

After Secretary Buttigieg’s visit, leaders from across the state joined President Booker and Secretary-Treasurer Sabitoni to award Building Futures’ annual alum award to LiUNA 271 apprentice, Johnny Neves. Johnny graduated from Building Futures in the fall of 2022 and began work at Aetna Bridge in 2023. His employers at Aetna and the LiUNA registered apprenticeship team shared that he has been eager to learn and succeed on the job. Johnny has overcome significant barriers to get to where he is today and is committed to building a new career and new opportunities in life through his registered apprenticeship with Local 271.  Congratulations Johnny!