Nathiba Cooper, a 2021 graduate of the Hartford High Schools Pre-Apprenticeship Program was accepted by the New England Laborers’ Union and began his apprenticeship with four weeks of training at the Laborers’ Training Academy in Pomfret. The Academy provides classes, lodging and meals to all members as part of their education program. Nathiba appreciates the opportunity to learn and earn as he works his way through his apprenticeship and looks forward to becoming a journeyman.

Note from Nathiba to Ray Johnson of the Laborers’ Union:

“Appreciate you for real! You changed my life drastically. I’ll continue working hard and showing up. NO DAYS OFF! Continue to give young kids a future. You’re the man Ray!”

Justice Gallant, a 2024 graduate of the Masonry program at Ellis Technical High School secured a Work Based Learning placement with the Town of Putnam after Sebastian Gray graduated and joined the Mason’s Union. Justice enjoys the variety of the work whether is it prepping and paving a road, chipping brush, or helping to change the transmission lines on a dump truck. This experience will benefit him in whatever career path he chooses.

Andrew Maillet, a junior in the Diesel and Heavy Duty Equipment Repair program at Cheney Technical High School is putting his education to good use at the Stafford Department of Public Works. He is working on light and heavy duty trucks, earth moving and compacting equipment, excavating and sweeping machinery and problem solving electrical and hydraulic systems. His supervisor spoke highly of Andrew and Andrew enjoys the work. A win win for all.

Elliot Johnson, a senior in the Diesel Technology Program at Howell Cheney Technical High School in Manchester is one of eleven students selected for Work Based Learning by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Elliot is gaining experience on all types of trucks and equipment at the Putnam repair facility. Elliot was an outstanding participant in the Pre-Apprenticeship Program this past fall.

Alex Morales, a senior in the Automotive Technology Program at Ellis Technical High School in Killingly is one of eleven students selected for Work Based Learning by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Alex is gaining experience on all types of trucks and equipment at the Putnam repair facility and his mentor mentioned he is doing a great job and gets along well with everyone. Alex was an Outstanding participant in the Pre-Apprenticeship Program during his junior year at Ellis and is thoroughly enjoying the experience.

Kaleb Seiner, a 2023 graduate of Ellis Technical High School turned his Work Based Learning Opportuity at the Killingly Water Pollution Control Facility into full time employment. He enjoys the variety of work including marking out for utilities before excavation takes place, putting the lessons from the instruction on Call Before You Dig to good use! Other duties include property maintenance, daily inspections, laboratory work, plumbing and operation of various types of equipment and hand tools. Kaleb is also working towards his industry certifications and licenses.

Sebastian Gray, a Masonry student at Ellis Tech., has had a Work Based Learning Opportunity with the Town of Putnam Department of Public Works where he is experiencing all facets of road and infrastructure maintenance. Sebastian has been working with Joe Monk, an Ellis Tech and Pre-Apprenticeship program graduate that also had a WBL at Putnam and is now full time. Sebastian has a bright future, wherever he decides to go and whatever he decides to do.

Gregory Mitchell, completed the Pre-Apprenticeship High School Training Program as a junior in spring of 2023 at Ellis Technical High School. He then worked for Connecticut DOT in the Putnam Repair facility as summer help. His supervisor said "Mr. Mitchell was very quiet but was very engaged in his work. He had the opportunity to work on 9 ton and tandem dump trucks, loaders, as well as Pickup trucks assisting with EGR replacements complete brake job replacements as well as learning what preventative maintenance on a heavy piece of equipment entails. Mr. Mitchell expressed that while working here this summer he has gained a lot of knowledge working on heavy equipment but would want to continue his growth at UNOH college to pursue High performance motorsports technology."

Jack Spielman, a 2022 graduate from Trumbull High School was a participant of our program from March of 2022. He successfully earned OSHA 10 and CPR/AED/First Aid Certifications during the program. Jack reached out to the Shelton Department of Public Works and began working in the fall. He also had an interview with the Operating Engineers and is well on his way to a successful career.

Riley Burke, a current senior at Staples High School, was an enthusiastic participant in the CT Pre-Apprenticeship Program last spring. Through the program, Riley received flagger and OSHA certifications. After completing the program in May 2022, Riley was offered a seasonal position by Westport Public Works, at the Westport Town Transfer Station. Riley reflected on his summer experience: “I worked hard but also had fun and enjoyed the experience very much. I used my flagger skills to properly handle the traffic flow, and even prevented a few car accidents! I have been offered a position with Westport Public Works when I graduate in June.” Riley hopes to continue learning and to eventually get more advanced OSHA certification and a CDL license.

Aldain Peddie, a 2022 graduate of Pathways Academy and the 2022 Pre-Apprenticeship Program at Synergy High School in East Hartford was accepted recently by the New England Laborers Union. He begins four weeks of General Construction training at the Laborers Academy in Pomfret later this month. Aldain is a resident of Hartford.

Update: Aldain has completed his third week of General Construction Training at the Laborers’ Union Training Academy in Pomfret. His instructors speak very highly of him and mentioned he destroyed one concrete wall with the rivet buster all by himself. They were quite impressed. Aldain has a great future in the road and bridge industry.

Jacob Farrow, a 2023 graduate of Ellis Technical High School has started his career with the Killingly Water Pollution Control Facility through Work Based Learning. Jacob was a Plumbing and Heating student at Ellis and completed the Pre-Apprenticeship Program as a junior. His exit survey mentioned the desire to work in Connecticut and not have to travel. Jacob lives about ten minutes away from his work and is well on his way to a satisfying career helping the residents of Killingly maintain a healthy environment.

Isaac Medina is currently working at the East Hartford Department of Public Works as a Maintenance Intern. He was an outstanding participant in the June 2022 program at Synergy High School and took advantage of an opportunity to start a career working in transportation construction and maintenance.

Antonio Roman is currently working at the East Hartford Department of Public Works as a Maintenance Intern. He graduated from Synergy High School in June of 2022 and completed the Pre-Apprenticeship program on July 1st. Antonio was an outstanding participant and appreciated the opportunity to start a career that was not a 9 – 5 job.

Nick Maccione, a 2022 graduate of the electrical progam at Wolcott Technical High School has been accepted into the Apprenticeship Program with Local 488 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

From Nick - Hi Jeff!!! I’ll be working for a contractor out of East Haven. I’m very excited to start my career with the union and honestly I thank you for being the first one to give me information on it. I would never have been as interested. Thank you again.

Joe Monk, a 2022 graduate of Ellis Technical High School is putting his flagging certification earned during the Pre-Apprenticeship Program to good use in his Work Based Learning experience at the Putnam DPW. Joe intends to attend training to prepare for the CDL Class A license in the near future.

Huda Shraiki, a senior at Branford High School and recent graduate of the Asphalt Quality Control Technician Program is interning at Tilcon, North Branford. The Tilcon group is praising Huda and remarked that the program had prepared her very well for the internship. Huda's intent is to start at SCSU in the fall but opportunities are plentiful for her as Tilcon is also willing to offer her full-time employment. Huda's response to how her internship is going "It’s going great! Honestly I love it so much. There are no words that can truly describe how appreciative I am for getting this internship. My favorite part of working at Tilcon is making pucks and weighing them. I really enjoy doing that and seeing how their numbers turn out. It’s a very good environment to work in and Tilcon really cares about their staff."

Huda Shraiki, a senior at Branford High School and recent graduate of the Asphalt Quality Control Technician Program is interning at Tilcon, North Branford. The Tilcon group is praising Huda and remarked that the program had prepared her very well for the internship. Huda's intent is to start at SCSU in the fall but opportunities are plentiful for her as Tilcon is also willing to offer her full-time employment. Huda's response to how her internship is going "It’s going great! Honestly I love it so much. There are no words that can truly describe how appreciative I am for getting this internship. My favorite part of working at Tilcon is making pucks and weighing them. I really enjoy doing that and seeing how their numbers turn out. It’s a very good environment to work in and Tilcon really cares about their staff."

Mike McManus, a senior at Ellis Technical High School in Killingly began his Work Based Learning Experience at the Town of Pomfret Department of Public Works. Mike is currently assisting in the garage and on the road with repairs of all types. Mike obtained his Class B CDL and he started work, full time for the Thompson DPW! Update: Mike recently accepted a full time position at the Town of Groton, Department of Public Works.

Augusto DaSilva, a graduate of the 2020 Pre-Apprenticeship Program received his CDL Class B license in January of 2021. He was an outstanding participant in the Hartford summer program and always went above and beyond no matter what was asked of him. Augusto will graduate this spring from Hartford High School with a high school diploma and a CDL! Congratulations to Augusto!

Inderpreet Behal, a rising senior at Branford High School and a graduate of the 2021 Pre-Apprenticeship Program is interning this summer with Giodarno Construction. Inderpreet was a valuable member of the team that constructed the Community Garden at the school and intends to pursue a career in Construction Management.

From Inderpreet when asked about his internship – “It’s going great so far! I’m learning and doing something new every day. Also, the whole crew is nice and helpful. I also wanted to thank you for helping me get this internship.”

Gianni DeCaprio of Staples High School was a Outstanding Student in the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. He applied and was hired at the Town of Westport for a full-time seasonal position. Gianni worked at our the Yard Waste site, helped with storm preparations, sidewalk cut backs, and stop bar and crosswalk line painting. A rising senior, he has the opportunity to return to the DPW in the spring.

Brandon Howard, a senior from Ellis Tech was an Outstanding participant in the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. He went to work at in internship with the Putnam Public Works Department. He was then hired full time for Asplandh Tree Company.

Nickolas Principe, a rising senior at Ellis Tech at this Work Based Learning Experience which turned into Summer Employment with the Town of Willington DPW. The summer position turned into a Work Based Learning Opportunity for his senior year. Nick is participating in all aspects of road maintenance and repair at the DPW including helping the Master Mechanic change the brakes on a street sweeper. Nick was an Outstanding Participant in the Pre-Apprenticeship Program held in the spring of 2021.

Akrum, a senior at Trumbull High School has been very busy assisting the staff at Shelton Public Works Department during his Work Based Learning Experience. In this photo he was assisting with a full motor and transmission swap. The guys in garage love having him. Akrum was an Outstanding Participant in the Pre-Apprenticeship Program during spring of 2021.

Bradin Bukowski, a 2021 graduate of Ellis Tech in Killingly is helping to maintain the roads and equipment in Woodstock as a member of the Highway Department. While it means getting up very early he enjoys the variety of assignments and working with a great crew. Bradin is looking forward to plowing snow this winter.

Nathiba Cooper, a 2021 graduate of the Hartford High Schools Pre-Apprenticeship Program was accepted by the New England Laborers’ Union and began his apprenticeship with four weeks of training at the Laborers’ Training Academy in Pomfret. The Academy provides classes, lodging and meals to all members as part of their education program. Nathiba appreciates the opportunity to learn and earn as he works his way through his apprenticeship and looks forward to becoming a journeyman.

Note from Nathiba to Ray Johnson of the Laborers’ Union:

“Appreciate you for real! You changed my life drastically. I’ll continue working hard and showing up. NO DAYS OFF! Continue to give young kids a future. You’re the man Ray!”

Austin Piesz, a senior at Ellis Technical High School recently started a Work Based Learning Opportunity at the Putnam DPW. Austin has experience working with both a landscaping company and a paving company which will certainly be beneficial as he moves forward with his career.

Alex Skarzynski a 2023 graduate of the Automotive Technology program at Ellis Technical Highschool is helping the Putnam Department of Public Works maintain their infrastructure, vehicles, and equipment. He completed the Pre-Apprenticeship Program as a junior and earned first place in the CARA 2023 Automotive Technology Challenge for 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXfB5eOBMuA