When Mahogany Jones arrives at the construction site for the new Columbia Business School buildings at the University’s Manhattanville campus early each morning, she knows the rest of the construction team is counting on her to prepare the day’s construction locations by reading plans, laying out work areas and removing potential hazards. For Jones, a Harlem resident and former NYPD traffic agent, finding herself working in this critical construction role is an idea that was nowhere in her vision a mere two years ago.
In January 2019, Jones attended a job fair for the MTA after learning about local construction opportunities when she came across a construction pre-apprenticeship program run by Pathways to Apprenticeship (P2A). At the time, she was participating in STRIVE, a job training and career development services agency. As a recent new mom, Jones was looking for a change in her career that would earn her a higher compensation and job security.
As part of the P2A program, Jones learned how to build scaffolds, cut metal and operate power jacks; things she never knew how to do before. “I didn’t have much knowledge in construction, but I knew the demand for more women in the industry was high, so I decided to go for it because I may be pretty but I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty” says Jones, noting that the program gave her hope in allowing her to provide a better future for her family.
In 2019, Columbia University partnered with P2A along with the West Harlem Development Corporation (WHDC), the Harlem Community Development Corporation (HCDC) and the NYC Small Business Services to launch a five-week, full-time pre-apprenticeship program for minorities, women and low-income Upper Manhattan local residents. The program provides students with training on general construction skills, opportunities to learn a trade while working, and safety trainings needed to qualify for apprenticeship opportunities with local construction unions. Upon completing the course, they receive a certificate that qualifies them for union apprenticeships, as well as assistance with their interview or test for an apprenticeship with a local union.