Testimonials

 CONGRATULATIONS RAFAEL FUENTES ON COMPLETING THE UA21 PIPEFITTER CERTIFICATION  

Elder Ford and SPCDM Program Completer Rafael Fuentes talk about SPCDM Career-Readiness experience and completing the Pipefitter Hybrid Program

I'm amazed, its so unreal I can't believe it.  I'm a Pipefitter!

- Rafael Fuentes
SPCDM Program Completer

Now do you understand why the program was so rigorous and why we pressed the class so hard? Is it finally starting to make sense?

- Elder Kevin A. Ford
Program Director, SPCDM

Oh yeah...absolutely!  Everything I learned prepared me for the Hybrid Program...everything. At first I thought you were just talking and we were just going through the motions like you do in most programs. To be honest, even though I was in the program, I really did not think that it would happen. After graduation, I just needed to work. I was totally surprised when SPCDM called and recommend me for the Pipefitter Hybrid Program. So when I got the call, I was humbled and I gave it all I had.  I arrived before time and stayed overtime.  And I learned to humble myself and listen. It wasn't easy, you have to be committed and determined otherwise you will not make it! You are constantly testing and proving mastery of the skills sets you learn in order to stay in the process and to keep moving forward. It was important for me to let them know that I was serious and ready to learn.  I kept telling myself that I was going to make it and I did.  Thanks to you Elder Ford.

- Rafael Fuentes
SPCDM Program Completer

I can't take the credit, the thanks go to everyone involved but most importantly, thank God and thank Him for providing the funding to run the program. My father, Bishop Charles M. Ford supports this program ONLY if we are training to place completers into union apprenticeships; that's the SPCDM standard.  Its not enough to go through a program "playing in the dirt" and "drilling holes."  Programs that allow students to hammer nails appear to be preparing its students. Effective programming places its completers in the position of passing the apprenticeship examination, enter an apprenticeship and the union; then you can realize the value. Now, you are securing a future, working toward a pension and benefits for your family. You know the spill, next time I see you and holler REPRESENT!  What are you going to do? And by the way is your wife happy?

- Elder Kevin A. Ford
Program Director, SPCDM

Is she happy? My whole family is happy! And, I remember the stories about the other SPCDM completers, I thought you were just talking Elder Ford. But I'll be ready, I'm going to go in my pocket and pull out my union card!  I'm proud to represent and on our last day of training the union made it clear that they had our backs and supported us 100%. I'm on my way to the worksite now so that I don't have any problems reporting to work Monday, I just wanted to stop by and thank you Elder Ford. Not only am I a Pipefitter, I'm starting as a 1 yr. Apprentice and  I'm preparing to take the next certification; then I'll be classified as a two-year apprentice! I'll be taking that test real soon.

- Rafael Fuentes
SPCDM Program Completer

 

Elder Ford and Rafael Fuentes stand in front of one of St. Paul's largest pines to symbolize the great possibilities that await Mr. Fuentes.