A male and female construction worker point towards a stack of shipping containers

Empowering Union Workers

A skill. A career. An opportunity for a more fulfilling life – this is what United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) offers through the Building Union Diversity (BUD) program. UWGSL provides support and funding to the BUD program to help address the needs of union workers. Local labor trade unions started the BUD program to create more opportunities for minorities, women, people who have experienced incarceration, and other underrepresented groups in the construction and manufacturing career fields.

BUD helps people like Sammy – a formerly incarcerated father of five who wanted a career to provide for and stabilize his family.

“They took a chance on me and allowed me to change my life. Joining the BUD program is the best decision I’ve made,” said Sammy.

BUD and the Missouri Works Initiative partner to offer the Construction Apprentice Ready Program.

This 5-to-6-week program introduces, trains, and connects people to high-paying, rewarding careers in the construction trades. This is for anyone interested in working in construction. No previous skills or experience is required.

Participants are also offered the opportunity to learn which trade works best for them, mentorship from trade professionals, a weekly stipend, trade placement advising, and much more. All of this will culminate into more sustainable jobs and opportunities.

Sonja Gholston-Byrd, Vice President of Labor Engagement for United Way of Greater St. Louis, said UWGSL’s participation in the BUD program contributes to our goal of helping people with jobs and financial mobility.

“A big part of our role is providing the assistance to ensure the folks who are attending those training sessions have the services needed to develop their skills,” said Sonja. “United Way is really important because it sets the table to bring all of these labor trade unions together to ensure the success of each student.”

Sammy found out about the BUD program from his pastor and subsequently enrolled into its Construction Apprentice Ready Program where he learned about various local unions, received a bus pass, a weekly stipend, and hands-on introduction to all trades. After going through the 5-week program, he began working in his desired career field five days later.

“I used to have a job, but now I have a career,” said Sammy. “Making $45-50 an hour is some real motivation. The BUD program trains you for free in five weeks. You’ll have a career. You just have to apply yourself.”

Sammy is now a laborer with Bommarito Construction and can provide a life for his family that he always wanted to. He uses his experience to encourage others to enter the BUD program.

“I had friends on probation who are electricians now,” said Sammy. “If you’ve got someone willing to provide you with the opportunity to be successful, you should take it! The BUD program did that for me.”

UWGSL has the capacity to help people like Sammy through the BUD program because of the generosity of our community. Our annual community fundraising campaign began last month and the community’s contributions to it ensures that unemployed or underemployed individuals have hope for a better future.

Each campaign year, workplace rallies are held at companies that employ union members. The rallies are held to encourage employee participation, donations, and promote awareness of community needs. A gift to United Way can give someone an opportunity to find a career and create a better life for themselves and their families.

“Every dollar counts when it comes to workforce development, jobs and opportunities,” said Sonja. “We’re able to connect folks that are interested to new employment, good pay, and jobs that provide sustainability for families that will positively impact their lives.”

Take action now:

Rodney Humphries
Rodney Humphries