By Jason Fincke, Executive Director
Builders Guild of Western Pennsylvania, Inc.

Feeling like part of the team. Showing your work off to your children and grandchildren. Taking pride in what you have built. These are just a few of the comments expressed by members of the union building trades who helped construct the CONSOL Energy Center — the new $321 million home of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Similar comments could also have been heard from those workers who helped build Children’s Hospital, PNC Park, Heinz Field, Baldwin High School, the Southside Works or any one of the thousands of other buildings and facilities built by union workers and contractors. Whether it’s a school, hospital, sports complex, office building or residential development, union building trades workers have made their mark on western Pennsylvania and have helped it earn its reputation and distinction as one of this nation’s most livable communities.

Construction is a legacy. Walk or drive around Pittsburgh with a local union ironworker, plumber, electrician, carpenter or any other member of the building trades and they will be quick to point out all of the buildings and facilities that they have helped construct. It’s a sense of accomplishment that employees in many other industries don’t have the opportunity to experience.

Sitting behind a desk or in a cubicle crunching numbers or inputting data may be attractive to some people, but for others it is not the same as the sense of accomplishment one can receive from working in construction, where you can immediately see the results of your work and be able to proudly show it off to others for years to come.

That’s just one reason why the industry is attractive to many people. They enjoy working outdoors (most of the time) and moving around from place to place. They aren’t confined to a single location for any length of time, every day can be different and they are able to dress in comfortable clothing, all while earning a living wage with excellent benefits for them and their families.

They are also able to go home every night knowing that they put in a solid workday on a project that will stand the test of time and be an important part of the area’s landscape to be used and enjoyed by other workers and citizens of western Pennsylvania. While the work can be challenging and demanding, its rewards are many.

Yes, construction is a legacy. It’s an opportunity to say “I helped build that” and no one can take it away from you. Just ask any union building trades worker.

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A R C H I V E S

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CONSOL Energy Center

The Builders Guild: Ten Years and Growing

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International Study Confirms Value of Union Apprenticeship and Job Training Programs

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