On Sept. 20, Boston’s union building trade leaders cast aside their hard hats and neon vests and donned formal attire to celebrate Building Pathways’ very first gala. The pre-apprenticeship program aims to increase diversity in union building trades and develop unionized construction workers. The event honored Mayor Martin Walsh and recent graduates of the program, along with State Representative Chyna Tyler, Sullivan & McLaughlin Companies and IBEW Local 103, Elevator Constructors Local 4, and John Healy.

Created in 2011 by Mayor Walsh, the Building Pathways program began as an initiative to increase the number of women and people of color in Boston’s union building trade. Participants partake in a six-week introduction to the union building trades in the city, getting a valuable glimpse into the potentials that construction careers offer. The program focuses not only on the industry and work itself, but provides a community-focus that members of the program can fall back on during their time with Building Pathways.

Many of the successful graduates are Dorchester residents, including: Patrick Pochette, Sheet Metal Workers Local 17; Shamaiah Turner, Sheet Metal Workers Local 17; Josiah Gomes, Pipefitters Local 537; Chaton Green, Sprinkler Fitters Local 550; Miniosity Pena, IBEW Local 223, and more.

“One of the things I’m most proud of is helping create this program, because I know that this program changes lives,” Mayor Walsh said. “I know that working in the building trades changes your life. I know that it changes your family’s life, I know that it changes your kids’ lives. I know that it allows you the opportunity to someday buy a house, buy a car, get a pension, get healthcare, take care of your family, put food on the table and do great things in your life. I know this is an opportunity that’s incredible.”

Since Building Pathways’ launch, 274 people have enrolled in the program, which boasts a 93 percent graduation rate. The program now represents 90 percent of the people of color and 92 percent of the women in building apprentices.

“We are now one of the premier pre-apprenticeship programs in the country. Our mission is not only providing top talent to the industry but also making sure the workforce reflects the communities where these projects are built,” Building Pathways Executive Director Mary Vogel said at the gala. “Our graduates are 89 percent people of color and 41 percent women. We strive for 50 percent women and we’re gonna get there!”