Jon Bersche
Keynote

For 31 years, Jon Bersche has brought great passion, and results-oriented success to his work ranging from youth and young adult education, program development; general contracting/carpentry, pre-apprenticeship training and program management; and workforce development.

After engaging his pre-apprentices in civic action to lobby the Seattle City Council to support the Priority Hire Ordinance, Jon joined the City’s new Labor Equity Team in August of 2015. In his role as that team’s Job and Training Advisor, Mr. Bersche immediately assessed the state of the Puget Sound region’s construction pre-apprenticeship training opportunities.

This research culminated in the founding and facilitating of the Regional Pre-Apprenticeship Collaboration. Since January of 2016, Jon has brought together more than 50 industry professionals each month to build a truly regional pre-apprenticeship system of shared best practices and high training standards, supported by policy and procedures that would provide a clear, direct and sustainable pathway to high-paying, long-lasting construction careers (with benefits and a pension) for local, low-income residents – especially black Americans, women, and other people of color.

Monique Stowers

Although I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do for a career, I knew I like to work with my hands. I decided to enroll in the ANEW pre-apprenticeship program to figure out my ultimate career pathway. Through the program, I discovered commercial plumbing and decided to join local 32. I now have the career of my dreams; I never imagined being this successful doing something I absolutely love!

Katie Rykken

I am a Journeyman Electric Meter Tech For Avista Utilities based in Spokane, Washington.

My interest in electricity grew during high school when I competed and served in leadership positions in SkillsUSA, a career and technical student leadership organization. Taking part in SkillsUSA opened doors and dreams for me.

I officially started in the trades at 19 years old when I attended VOLTA line school. My career began by gaining valuable experience as a groundman on the line crews, but electric metering ultimately became the trade I wanted to pursue. I completed my apprenticeship in 2017 and moved to Pullman, WA. I’m proud to say that I’m currently the Pullman Area Electric Meter Tech. I attribute my success to the journeyman and mentors who have helped me along the way.

Gerard Thomas

I’m currently a journeyman laborer with local 242; I have been with the union for 3.5 years this month. I myself went through a pre apprenticeship, 11 weeks with P.A.C.E. (pre apprentice construction education).

Confused about my future and with no set path, I entered the 11-week apprenticeship with the Pre-Apprentice Construction Education (P.A.C.E.) program. I had no idea what to expect when I entered the program, but I needed some direction and figured I’d give it a shot. The job was very fast paced and I quickly discovered my niche. I'm still here today, loving my job and experiencing life to the fullest.

Andrea Ornelas
Laborer Foreman

I'm an Erosion control foreman with Walsh Construction, Executive board member at the Local 242, and workforce development advocate. I was a priority hire through ANEW Pre-apprenticeship.

I am a wife, mother of 5 and had a hard time finding a job that fits me and pays well. I’m a strong believer that you get out of this world what you put in. With hard work and determination through my career I have been able to accomplish most of my goals and have more to obtain!

Marianna Talbott
Pre-Apprenticeship & Outreach Specialist

Marianna began working for NWCI in 2012 as the receptionist and soon after became the Program Specialist for the North Puget Sound Carpenters, Scaffold Erectors, Pile Drivers, Millwrights & Trade Show. In 2017 Marianna was given the opportunity to join the Pre-Apprenticeship & Outreach team where she was able to take her skills sets, experience and admiration for NWCI and help to assist and grow this department. Marianna enjoys working with both future and current members and working on relationships with contractors and council representative to bridge jobs to members. "Providing continuous support for our students is important and helping our members achieve their next level of success, is what I am here to do".