Constructing Hope Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Happy New Year! 🎉 Over the holidays, we were thrilled to share our mission on KATU’s AM Northwest. In case you missed it, check out our Deputy Director, Noah, and CH graduate, Gerry Jones, as they discuss our work and impact. #levelingtheplayingfield #amnorthwest

This week, we had some very special guests from the Spirit Mountain Community Fund, who presented our Executive Director, Pat Daniels, with the Helping Hand (Ye Ian Lima) Award in recognition of her outstanding career and contributions. Pat was nominated for this honor by Constructing Hope graduate, Raleigh Morrison. #levelingtheplayingfield

As we wrap up 2024, we celebrate the incredible journeys of our four cohorts this year. Each trainee left their mark, gaining valuable skills and stepping into the construction industry with knowledge and excitement for their future careers. Pictured: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall 🔨🧱 #constructinghope #levelingtheplayingfield

Build Hope With Us! This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to make a difference. With over 1,500 individuals served at Constructing Hope, our graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and contribute to the growth of our community. Donate today to help build brighter futures! https://lnkd.in/gtXaS5wk #givingtuesday #levelingtheplayingfield

To wrap up National Apprenticeship Week, we're celebrating our Construction Pre-Apprenticeship community partners: Constructing Hope Pre-Apprenticeship Program, Portland YouthBuilders, Oregon Tradeswomen, POIC, and LatinoBuilt. Registered Pre-Apprenticeship programs are designed to help people build the necessary skills to meet the minimum entry qualifications for apprenticeships. They are a vital first step for individuals -- especially those from traditionally underserved communities -- wanting to enter the trades. Since July 1, 2024, 141 individuals joined our partners' pre-apprenticeship programs, achieving a 94% completion rate. Among them, 32% identify as female, 65% as BIPOC, and 14% as both. Over one-third of graduates have transitioned to Registered Apprenticeships or similar construction careers.

Meet Chris Morgan! “I wanted to find a career,” said Chris. “[Constructing Hope] breaks down barriers and shows you that it is possible.” Chris graduated from Constructing Hope as part of the Summer 2022 cohort. #storyofhope #levelingtheplayingfield #constructinghope #constructiontrades

Commercial construction firm Lease Crutcher Lewis is doing its part to make the industry more inclusive of women and other underrepresented populations. The employee-owned firm with deep roots in the Pacific Northwest has more than 300 salaried employees and operates under a stated purpose to improve communities. The company demonstrated its commitment to fostering diversity by establishing donor advised funds with Oregon Community Foundation and Seattle Foundation. The funds, which the company refers to collectively as the Lease Crutcher Lewis Foundation, focus on building a more inclusive workforce in construction. In 2024, the Foundation funds supported and awarded grants to Oregon Tradeswomen, Portland YouthBuilders, Constructing Hope Pre-Apprenticeship Program, Girls Build and POIC. Seattle-based organizations included YouthBuild and Sawhorse Revolution. “Support from Lease Crutcher Lewis is vital for training the next generation of young people in entering the trades who would otherwise not have a chance to go,” says Portland YouthBuilders Development Director Tonia Kovtunovich. “Lease Crutcher Lewis is a true partner in our work."

We were honored to host recent graduates from Constructing Hope Pre-Apprenticeship Program at our Sherwood facility, where our colleagues demonstrated daily field tasks and NW Natural’s commitment to safety at a recent field job workshop. We are doing our part to develop a vibrant workforce that reflects the communities we live in.

Thank you to Associated General Contractors Oregon-Columbia Chapter for giving us the opportunity to speak about our organization and work. Your partnership is greatly appreciated.

We are fortunate to have exceptional board members! We extend our gratitude to our Board Chairman, Mel Jones, MCA, ECMCA, for his dedicated efforts to raise awareness of the construction industry and highlight the crucial importance of diversity and inclusion.