|
Help DC residents get good jobs!
Help DC residents get good jobs! Urge DC City Council members to require that contractors working on the New Convention Center hotel participate in construction apprenticeship programs that have a proven record of training and graduating DC residents – programs that give apprentices the opportunity to enter secure, lifetime careers in construction.
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Help DC residents get good jobs!
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
I urge you to support as written the provision of the Convention Center Hotel Amendment Act that requires contractors and subcontractors who work building the Hotel to participate in apprenticeship programs that have had proven, significant graduation rates over the preceding five years and that will provide employment opportunities to apprentices during and after they complete their work on the Hotel.
The provision provides opportunities for DC workers to enter the construction industry and build a better life for all of us and our families.
I look forward to hearing from you on this important matter.
Sincerely,
|
Campaign Launched:
July 10, 2009
|
Careers Require Quality Training:
Legitimate apprenticeship programs give DC residents the opportunity to "earn while you learn," enabling apprentices to learn a trade on the job, get classroom instruction, and earn living wages with benefits.
Once an apprenticeship program is completed, the graduate has a solid career with portable credentials allowing them to work anywhere there are jobs, and earn family-sustaining wages for the rest of their working lives.
But there are many so-called apprenticeship programs that shortchange participants. They might train for the immediate job at hand, but when it’s finished, so is the apprentice.
If the Convention Center Hotel Act does not require proven construction apprenticeship programs, contractors could leave workers high and dry at the end of the project with reduced chances of continued employment and no help advancing in the trade. Such a worker will be stuck as an entry-level worker with limited ability to become economically self-sufficient.
|
