Brown’s partnership with Building Futures began in 2008 when the University and nonprofit agreed to a pilot, with a small group of construction apprentices joining in the renovation of what is now called Page-Robinson Hall. The pilot was so successful that the two organizations agreed that Building Futures graduates would contribute 15% of the total labor hours on every major campus construction project afterward.

“I learned about Building Futures early in my time as president at Brown, and I was sold immediately,” Paxson told the audience on Thursday. “I walk to work every day, and I see the folks working through the pandemic, through weather, through everything, and their work is outstanding. I'm grateful that we're part of this program and helping to build lives and the welfare of families in this region.”

Andre Gatlin, a union carpenter with the Carpenters Local Union 330, joined Sabitoni in presenting the award. He began his Building Futures apprenticeship more than 10 years ago working on a Brown construction site; he  continues to work on University projects, contributing currently to the future Performing Arts Center, slated to open in 2023.

“The young men and women that dedicate themselves daily, to get up, to show up, to learn more, to move the work, that's who you are all investing in, and I'm one of them,” Gatlin said. “To all of you who do what you do to make this program possible, thank you.”

Earlier in the week, Building Futures Executive Director Andrew Cortés had joined Paxson and Sabitoni at Brown to sign a new five-year agreement to formally commit Brown to employing all-union labor for major campus construction projects and extend its pledge to employ Building Futures apprentices.

At the anniversary celebration three days later, Cortés reflected on the nonprofit's 15-year history and success in growing the unique workforce development model, which it is now extending into new industries, including health care, information technology, advanced manufacturing, and fisheries and marine trades

“Registered apprenticeship provided us the how,” Cortés said. “How to address the existing skills gap and the need for more workers going forward. It's the connection point between employers, unions and the community and the foundation of Building Futures. We based our nonprofit on leveraging and expanding this exceptional workforce development model, and here we are 15 years later because registered apprenticeship works.”