District Council 21

Fred Litton is a 3rd-year glazier apprentice. He's been with the union for almost 3 years after working his way up through Synergy Glass and eventually applying to DC 21's apprenticeship. His apprenticeship has allowed him to gain experience in different aspects of glazing, including glass, doors, and metal. This varied training makes him prepared to do anything as he advances in his career. Being in the union has allowed him to learn more than he ever knew he could, and enabled him to get his CPR and welding certifications. With DC 21's emphasis on continued education, Fred can always go to an additional class and learn more about anything in the field he's curious about. Fred enjoys the education he's receiving through his apprenticeship. It goes beyond learning the trade, he's also gaining math, reading, and leadership skills that he wouldn't have gained otherwise. The union's high expectations and positive, collaborative environment encourage him to do well and go above and beyond for his fellow union members. DC 21 has helped him become a better person. "Everyone I've worked with at school and the hall has been really straightforward and great," Fred said. "It's contagious, they encourage me to be great as well." DC 21 has given Fred the opportunity to learn a valuable skill he can take anywhere. He hopes to work his way up to foreman and one day become an instructor at the FTI so he can pass on the knowledge and mentorship he's received from people like his FTI instructors. The union has been a positive force in Fred's personal and professional life, and he looks forward to learning more and paying it forward.

We want to highlight our Black CORE group for their work distributing turkeys to families in need and supporting the Brick City Lions youth football team. DC 21 is proud to be a positive force in the community.

Mike Caruso joined DC 21 in June 2024 and is a 4th-year glazier apprentice. He tested into the apprenticeship program due to his previous experience. Mike got his start in the trades by emailing glass companies looking for work. Eventually, he landed an interview and a job and worked for 4 years at a non-union glass company. After learning about the improved pay and opportunities that union life provides, Mike applied to DC 21. He's found ample opportunities to learn, grow, and secure his future with the union. His apprenticeship has given him access to more knowledge and skills that he can use to build his career; he's learning proper by-the-book methods for work and has the opportunity to get certifications like OSHA, crane operator, and rigging certifications. Working as a union apprentice has given Mike more opportunities to grow. At a non-union company, there is often limited upward mobility. You could work at a place for years and have few pay increases, or even end up with the same salary as someone with little to no experience. But as a union apprentice, he has the opportunity to move up and diversify his skills with the union's continuing education classes. His favorite skill to learn so far has been welding; it's something he's always wanted to learn but never had the opportunity until joining the union. Beyond the superior training and access to incredible knowledge, Mike values how the union takes care of its people. He has access to a solid pension and annuity that will allow him to retire, something he never got in the non-union world. There's a greater emphasis on safety and healthy work practices on union jobs, which allows him to reduce the strain on his body and lengthen his career in the trades. Joining the union has improved Mike's career prospects for the better. His apprenticeship gave him access to better training, more security, and a brighter future. When asked what he'd say to someone considering an apprenticeship, Mike responded "It's definitely worth it. You get awesome training and it gives you a taste of the trade before going into the field blind. I highly recommend it."

Reminder: DC 21's National Apprenticeship Week Open House is TOMORROW November 19th from 10 am - 2 pm. Come to our Philadelphia or Springfield location to learn more about our educational and career opportunities.

Apprenticeships are essential for teaching the next generation of workers and union members. They provide new workers access to the knowledge and experience they need to build a lifelong, rewarding career in the union building trades. #NationalApprenticeshipWeek

Reminder: Local 2011 members: The Annual 2011 Member Benefit night is Saturday, November 16. All proceeds will go to the Local 2011 Benevolent Fund, which provides financial support to members going through hardships due to injury, illness, or death. Enjoy a great night out and support a worthy cause by ordering your tickets at https://lnkd.in/eYXGcidW

Reminder: DC 21's National Apprenticeship Week Open House is on November 19th from 10 am - 2 pm. Come to our Philadelphia or Springfield location to learn more about our educational and career opportunities.

Attention New Jersey: The Finishing Trades Academy is accepting applications! The Finishing Trades Academy is a pre-apprenticeship career training program designed to help residents of Atlantic City gain opportunities in the finishing trades. Learn more about this opportunity to jumpstart a fulfilling, family-sustaining career in the union building trades by visiting finishingtradesacademy.org

Reminder: Local 2011 members: The Annual 2011 Member Benefit night is Saturday, November 16. All proceeds will go to the Local 2011 Benevolent Fund, which provides financial support to members going through hardships due to injury, illness, or death. Enjoy a great night out and support a worthy cause by ordering your tickets at https://lnkd.in/eYXGcidW

Reminder: Local 2011 members: The Annual 2011 Member Benefit night is Saturday, November 16. All proceeds will go to the Local 2011 Benevolent Fund, which provides financial support to members going through hardships due to injury, illness, or death. Enjoy a great night out and support a worthy cause by ordering your tickets at https://lnkd.in/eYXGcidW