News

On Sunday, the North Atlantic States Carpenters Training Fund (NASCTF) hosted a graduation ceremony for the 2020 and 2021 apprenticeship program graduates from the New England Locals.

Due to limited in-person events over the past year and a half, the class of 2020 and the class of 2021 were honored and celebrated together at the Millbury Training Facility. 528 members, representing 12 New England locals, completed their training in the apprenticeship program in 2020 and 2021.

Joe Byrne, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (NASRCC); Richard Pedi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the NASCTF; Ziven Drake, NASCTF Training Coordinator; and Jeff Carpine, Superintendent for Commodore Builders, were the keynote speakers.

Seven members were recognized with awards at the ceremony.

Local 339 member Angelina Risso (carpentry), Local 2168 member Jessica Lambert (floor covering) and Local 56 member Natalie MacDonald (piledriver) each received a Golden Hammer Award. These awards are given out each year to graduates who demonstrate outstanding craftsmanship and dedication to the profession.

Local 328 member Cody Wile received the Zachary Constant Award, which recognizes the graduating apprentice who displays an all-around commitment to the craft, the union, and the community.

Local 2168 member Viviane Alemão was presented with the Alfred Halpern Leadership Award, recognizing exceptional proficiency and professionalism in floor covering.

Local 326 member Luis Viera received the Michael Timura Award, which recognizes the achievement of the most outstanding apprentice in a graduating class.

This year, there was a special award presented; the first annual Amelia Phinney Scholarship Award in recognition of our dear Sister Amelia, a business representative for Local 346, who passed last year.

The memorial award is to recognize a female apprentice who exemplifies Amelia‘s qualities of commitment to excellence, dedication to learning, and consistent support.

Rebecca Orie, of Local 346, who was presented with the Amelia Phinney Scholarship Award was described as a “role model” and “ambitious” by Southeast New England Regional Manager Dennis Lassige.

“Like Amelia, Rebecca is truly a successful carpenter,” said Lassige at the ceremony. “Rebecca’s greatest attributes are those of which any and all great union carpenters possess: love for the craft, open-mindedness, professionalism, and commitment to our union. She is a shining example of talent and professionalism to all carpenters in the field.”

Rebecca plays an integral part of the SIB Committee in Southeast New England and has recently started her new role as the steward for Skanska at the South Coast Rail project in Fall River, a $140 million project.

Congratulations to all of the 2020 and 2021 graduates. We wish you continued success in your career.