“The BTC program and MFS have empowered me to be myself and have the confidence that I know I have to be a union carpenter and be all I can be because they believe in me and they just empower every single person that walks into here, whatever program you’re in.”
– Hannah Rezutek, client
The IllinoisWorks Bridge to Construction (BTC) program offered through Metropolitan Family Services is more than a 10-week training course—it is a bridge to a sustainable career.
“For someone who lacks resources and connections, this program can help bridge that gap,” explains Ivan Vasquez, a former participant of the course. “That’s why they call it Bridge to Construction. They’re trying to close those gaps.”
Ivan was looking for a pre-apprenticeship training that could open the doors to joining a trade union and lead to a new career, both of which he found through BTC.
“If you show up every day and you give your 100%, they’re going to give 100%. They match your energy completely,” Ivan says. “In my own words, the Bridge to Construction program at Metropolitan Family Services is an in-depth and generalized training. This program gives you a rundown of all the trades. It prepares you with the requirements that are necessary to get you prepared for the aptitude test.”
Hannah Fernandez, the program administrator of BTC, worked with Ivan and supported him throughout his journey. “The participants are in the classroom for 192 hours,” she explains. “They walk away with numerous industry-recognized certifications. The curriculum combines classroom work, hands-on training, and employability skills. They really learn what it takes to be prepared and be union ready.”
Hannah Fernandez also worked with Hannah Rezutek, who was ready for a career change after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Once I was interviewed, I felt so welcomed there,” recalls Hannah. “They were understanding and they wanted me to be a part of their program. It made me more excited to be part of the trades, since they were excited that they had me.”
Once Hannah Rezutek graduated from the program, she was accepted into a carpentry union, which led to her new career.
“Being in this program is really life changing for our clients, because oftentimes when they come to us, they are lacking hope,” explains Hannah Fernandez. “With us, they get union ready, prepare for the aptitude test, and prepare for the interviews, all to make sure that they not only get that job, but to build that long-term career that will build that sustainability so that they are financially stable, not just for themselves, but their families as well.”
“The BTC program at MFS will be a trusted pipeline for unions, for construction company employers, because we are preparing the next generation of tradespeople with those skills, industry-recognized certifications, and also that right attitude and skills to make sure that they’re not only union ready, construction ready, but they are prepared to go out and advance if they want to, into leadership roles and even create their own companies.”
– Hannah Fernandez, program administrator