[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 4]
[House]
[Page 4854]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     BUILDING FUTURES RHODE ISLAND

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Rhode Island (Mr. Cicilline) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CICILLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Building 
Futures, a Providence-based work training program that prepares Rhode 
Islanders for careers in the construction industry. This program has 
made a real difference in the lives of 145 Rhode Islanders by placing 
them in registered apprenticeships as bricklayers, carpenters, 
electricians, plumbers, and other construction trade apprenticeships. 
This success is due, in large part, to its dedicated and talented 
staff, led by director and founder Andrew Cortes.
  I was pleased to stand with Andrew as mayor of Providence in 2007 to 
help launch Building Futures, which has become a national model for 
work training programs, and recently to be with him and many others to 
celebrate their success at Building Futures and to hear directly from 
so many who have benefited from this program who are now holding good-
paying jobs in my State.
  Addressing the skills gap is one of Rhode Island's and our Nation's 
most pressing challenges. We know that too many people are searching 
for good-paying jobs, but too often, even though they are hardworking, 
they lack the particular skills they need for the jobs that are 
available.
  Building Futures is helping to restore opportunity by bridging the 
skills gap and strengthening Rhode Island's workforce. Today, I am 
proud to salute their efforts and congratulate them on a job well done.

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