BUD graduate says participating in the program was best decision she ever made

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BRYANA RAMIREZ, who recently graduated from the 31st cohort of the St. Louis Union Diversity (BUD) program says it’s the best decision she’s ever made and is looking forward to a long career in the building trades. – Photo courtesy of the BUD program

By SHERI GASSAWAY
Missouri Correspondent

St. Louis – Bryana Ramirez learned about the Missouri Works Initiative’s St. Louis Building Union Diversity (BUD) program through a friend, an IBEW apprentice who participated in the Kansas City version of the program.

Ramirez, a military police officer for the Army National Guard, decided to move back to the St. Louis to be closer to family. She was looking for a steady, good paying position with benefits. Then she was accepted in the St. Louis BUD program.

‘BEST DECISION I’VE EVER MADE’
“I worked a night job while I was in the BUD program so it was kind of hectic those six weeks,” Ramirez told the Labor Tribune at her BUD graduation ceremony. “I’m not sure which trade I’m going to choose, but this program is the best decision that I’ve ever made.”

The six-week BUD program serves as a recruitment tool to encourage more minorities and women to get into the union building trades. It provides pre-apprentices with the opportunity to visit participating local building trade unions to give them hands-on basic training and a feel for each of the trades.

BRIGHT FUTURE – The St. Louis BUD program celebrated the graduation of its 31st class on Nov. 3. Celebrating the bright futures were (front row, from left) Missouri Works Initiative Executive Director Megan Price, graduates Maryana Cummings, Ashton Ranch, and Portis Williams. (Back row, from left) Justin Davis, Dayden Rice, JaNai Stewart, Bud Program Coordinator Aurora Bihler, Faustin Bikona, Antonio Schmuke, Bryana Ramirez, Meagan Zumwalt, Jamareon Cooks, and BUD program facilitators Harriet Holt and Pat Dolan. – Labor Tribune photo

BUD Program Coordinator Aurora Bihler said she wished she would have had the program available before she joined Iron Workers Local 396. She currently serves as conductor for the union.

‘SO FAR AHEAD’
“You’ll be so far ahead when you enter your trade,” Bihler told the graduates. “You’ve learned the basics about unions and the social culture and you have mentors who you can call throughout your apprenticeship if you have any questions. My trade allowed me to buy a car and a house, and I can’t wait for you to call me and tell me you’re buying a car and a house.”

The BUD program is recognized as a comprehensive apprenticeship readiness program (ARP) by the North American Building Trades Unions (NABTU). It offers enrollees a comprehensive introduction to construction employment by using NABTU’s nationally recognized Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) providing relevant national skills certification training, with a particular focus on job safety.

92% GRADUATION RATE
The program, offered at no charge to select individuals who meet the admission requirements, has a 92 percent graduation rate and holds four cohorts each year. For more information on the BUD program, visit moworksinitiative.org.

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