Ashley Morales is a driven young woman with a plan for her future. That plan unfolded when a good friend referred her to Non-traditional Employment for Women (NEW). After taking an aptitude test, Ashley was invited to take part in the six-week intensive training program that served to introduce her to each trade. During her apprenticeship, the Ashley was featured in Daily News article highlighting the training program.

Once the six week training, and her brush with newspaper fame, was completed, Ashley met with advisors at NEW to discuss what three trades she would be interested in perusing ultimately choosing Local 3 elevator mechanics union. And here is where her plan filled out a little bit more. While waiting for an opportunity to open at Local 3, Ashley joined Cauldwell Wingate as general administrative support. Her exposure to general contracting, estimating and construction management has given her a taste for understanding and engaging at all levels of the construction industry.

Riding the subway one day, Shakema Farmer’s curiosity was piqued by a NEW’s ad campaign. The opportunity to work in the trades seemed fascinating, fascinating enough to put NEW’s phone number in to her phone. A week of scrolling past the number followed a week of calling to discuss NEW’s program. Shakema was duly impressed with what she heard and chose to give it a shot.

After six weeks of training where she maintained her original interest in becoming an Electrician, Shakema heard from the NEW recruiter that Cauldwell Wingate was hiring for a receptionist position. After a few months as a receptionist, Shakema is pondering her future. Set with the tools to go into the trades or remain with Cauldwell Wingate, Shakema is ready for an exciting future.

LaSherma Waring is glad she has friends. After picking up a new flyer on the subway one day, she called her friend to tell her she was thinking about calling NEW. Her friend was one step ahead. She had already signed up for the entrance test. LaSherma followed suit. After passing the test, the two friends began the rigorous six-week training program all the time helping each other learn and grow along the way. LaSherma was particularly attracted to the ConEd training and decided to pursue an electrician job. While going through the process of applying for a position at Con Ed, LaSherma came full circle and handing out the very NEW flyers that first drew her interest.

Once an opportunity opened at Cauldwell Wingate, LaSherma realized her interest in all aspects of the construction industry. With knowledge of the trades and a growing knowledge of project management, LaSherma is ready for a future in the construction industry.