ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A construction trades program partnership with the City of Rockford is celebrating five years of providing skills and mentorship to at-risk youth. Apprentices from L-T Construction are currently working on $450,000 worth of sidewalk projects across Rockford.
The program, designed to increase minority representation in the skilled trades, also fosters personal development and provides crucial mentorship. For many participants, it acts as a vital bridge to gain fundamental construction knowledge and life skills.
Albert “Tank” Weathers leads the program, bringing his experience to coach the next generation of trade workers. “When I was in the trades, it was always a small minority. And so my goal was to get more minorities trained. And the hardest thing is taken from where they had to get into where they’re going. This is kind of the middle bridge here where they can learn enough to go to the next level.” Weathers emphasizes teaching not just trade skills, but also life skills like character and structure. He explained, ” Day one, you know nothing. By the time four or five months from now, you’ll know the basics of concrete. You’re going to have character, you can have structure because construction is structure.”…