New York– Hundreds of 32BJ members took a step up on the career ladder in a ceremony Saturday afternoon, receiving certificates for completing courses such as English as a Second Language and Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Repair through the Thomas Shortman Training Fund.

"As one of few female members graduating from the industry skills classes, I was really excited," said 32BJ member Nancy Hernandez, who received diplomas in Carpentry and NYC HPD Superintendent courses. "My managers at work were very impressed and I hope it will help me move forward in my job."

The training program is a joint labor-management program supported by employer contributions negotiated through collective bargaining. The Fund, which was founded in 1968, provides training courses to nearly 8,000 union members each year. Saturday’s graduation of 500 union members was the largest-ever ceremony. The program also offers courses on managing "green buildings," creative writing classes and citizenship preparation.

"The Thomas Shortman program provides employees with the skills necessary to meet the challenges of a changing industry," said Linda Nelson, director of the Building Service 32BJ Benefit Funds Training Program. "Most importantly, it helps workers access a career ladder and advance to the next level at their jobs."

"Each year, thousands of 32BJ members take advantage of these training opportunities in order to advance their skills and better their lives," said 32BJ Vice President Kyle Bragg. "Offering this kind of training benefit goes hand-in-hand with securing wages and benefits that enable workers to best support their families."

As their families and friends looked on, union members who work in New York City, New Jersey and Westchester County as janitors, porters, doormen, supers and security officers were honored for completing free courses in Appliance Repair, GED Preparation, Computers, Locksmith training, and Heating Systems. Students who took multiple-year courses in subjects like Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning or Superintendent/Resident Manager received diplomas.

"The graduation demonstrates a fruitful partnership between employers and the union," said Peter Finn, deputy trustee of the Shortman Fund and an attorney for the Realty Advisory Board. "It was a treat to watch the interaction between the students and their instructors."

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2006 Scholarship winners